SOUTHEND United will come face to face with the goalscorer of one of their most celebrated strikes ever when they head to MK Dons tomorrow.

Ben Reeves fired the Shrimpers to their first ever Wembley cup final when he netted a crucial late effort against Leyton Orient in the semi final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy back in February 2013.

And Reeves – who should start for Dons this weekend – can vividly remember his memorable strike to see off the O’s.

“Technically it was probably the worst goal I’ve ever scored but for everything that it meant it was probably the best,” said Reeves, 24.

“It’s something I’ll never forget and it was brilliant to be a part of.

“I think Orient were a league higher than us at the time and had a really good team so we did well to beat them.

“The atmosphere was amazing as well and the celebrations after the final whistle were something else.

“It was a really special night and then obviously playing at Wembley with so many Southend fans there was brilliant as well, it was just a shame the result didn’t go our way.”

Blues were beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra in the final.

But by the time the Shrimpers made it to Wembley, Phil Brown had taken over from Paul Sturrock.

And Reeves can remember trying to impress the former Hull City chief.

“I can remember when the manager came in and I was trying really hard to impress him in training,” said Reeves.

“I really liked him and Graham Coughlan as well, who I thought was a really good coach, but it was just a shame I got injured and couldn’t really have the impact I wanted towards the end.

“I think Ryan Leonard is the only player left from back then but it will be good to see him again at the weekend and Nile Ranger as well who I was in the youth team with at Southampton.”

However, Reeves – who scored twice in 13 games while with Blues – joined MK Dons at the end of that season and is now desperate for them to kick start their campaign.

Karl Robinson’s side are currently 16th in the League One table, level on points with the Shrimpers.

And Reeves is keen for Dons to start working their way up the standings.

“We want to be pushing towards the top half of the table and then even higher because promotion is still our aim this year,” said Reeves.

“We haven’t won at home yet which obviously needs to change but I know Southend have done well in their last couple of games and it’s going to be a difficult game for us.”