HARRY Phillips held his nerve to fire Southend United to a 2-1 win at Newport County in the FA Youth Cup tonight.

The 18-year-old clinically converted a penalty in the first half of extra time to secure the Shrimpers a hard fought second round win.

But Phillips did not feel under pressure stepping up to take the spot-kick.

“I’m always confident when it comes to taking penalties and this was the same,” said the talented youngster.

“Maybe there was a tiny bit of nerves but not much and it was great to see it go in.

“Once the penalty was given I just made sure I got the ball as quickly as I could and then focused on what I was going to do.

“I always look at the keeper before deciding where to place it but to be fair to him he went the right way.

“I think it might even have touched in but I always knew it was going in and it was a great feeling to score such an important goal.

Phillips’ goal, which was his 12th of the season from midfield, also means the Shrimpers will be heading to Blackburn Rovers in the third round.

And the Wickford based teenager is already excited by the thought of lining up at Ewood Park.

“We’re all really looking forward to that game already,” said Phillips, who bagged a hat-trick in the first round against Barton Rovers.

“It will be a great game to go and play at but we have matches before then that we need to focus on.”