JOE Pigott had started to fear Southend United's promotion dreams were over before his dramatic late leveller against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley on Saturday.

Pigott bagged an injury time equaliser to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out the Shrimpers won 7-6.

But the late drama only unfolded after the on loan Charlton Athletic striker had feared it was not going to be Blues' day.

"I was looking up seeing some of our fans leaving and I was starting to think it was over," said Pigott.

"I think there was only about 20 seconds to go when I got the goal and it was just mad to be honest.

"The noise when it went in was just incredible and the fans certainly seemed to enjoy it.

"I just hope the ones who left early were able to get back in."

Pigott also stepped forward to fire home the Shrimpers' first spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

And he felt the timing of his equaliser meant it was Phil Brown's side going into penalties on the up.

"I think the momentum turned when we got the goal," said Pigott.

"Our confidence was up and with Daniel Bentley in goal we always fancied our chances.

"I just don't know what took him so long to save one!

"But this is right up there with the best days of my life and to score at Wembley is a dream come true for me."

However, the exciting conclusion to Pigott's afternoon was in complete contrast to the way it had begun after he was desperately disappointed to have been left out of the starting line-up.

"It was hard to take not being picked and I was pretty gutted about it if I'm honest," said the 21-year-old.

"But I just had to make sure I played well when I came on and I would like to think I did that.

"There's no better way to have finished my loan spell and I'm delighted for all the lads and the fans as well.

"I've really enjoyed it at Southend and everyone here deserved this promotion."