JOE Pigott played a memorable part in helping Southend United reach League One, but now the AFC Wimbledon striker could play a leading role in making them leave it.

Pigott netted a dramatic injury time equaliser to help Blues beat Wycombe Wanderers in the League Two play-off final at Wembley back in 2015.

But the 25-year-old is now determined to help the Dons avoid relegation and that means putting sentiment to one side when he leads their attack at Roots Hall tomorrow afternoon.

“Of course, Southend is a club that’s always in my heart because I have some great memories from my time there but I can’t think about that this weekend because it’s a really big game for both teams,” said Pigott.

“We’ve got a bit of momentum going and we’ve won the last two so we want to keep that going now.

“We have some massive matches coming up and Southend is the first of them.”

Wimbledon remain bottom of the League One table, despite their recent upturn in results.

Pigott bagged a late winner against Peterborough on Tuesday night to keep alive Dons’ survival hopes.

Wally Downes’ side are now four points off safety but Pigott remains hopeful of staying up and is also certain the Shrimpers will be in League One next season.

“I’m surprised Southend aren’t higher up the table if I’m honest because they have a strong squad but I’m sure they will be OK,” said Pigott.

“I know they’ve been unlucky with injuries and have been without some important players but I still think they will finish the season in mid-table.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to stay up too and we’ve been able to get some good results recently.

“We also have quite a few of the teams in and around us left to play so it means we can close the gap on them if we win.

“But we’re thinking about the Southend game at the moment.”

And tomorrow’s contest will also see Pigott lining up against Blues defender Harry Lennon, who he came through the youth ranks with at Charlton Athletic.

“It’s good to see Harry back playing and I’m sure we will have a good battle,” said Pigott.

“We did when I played against him for Southend against Gillingham but it will be good to see him and a few other familiar faces at the club.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back.”

Pigott will also be joined in the Dons squad by fellow ex-Shrimpers Anthony Wordsworth and Mitchell Pinnock.