SOUTHEND United defender Adam Barrett treated the Shrimpers for a second time in a week after heading home the only goal of the game at Northampton Town on Saturday.

The centre back clinically converted a Mark Gower corner to send Steve Tilson's side up to third in the League One standings.

And his effort came just days after his Benfleet home was mobbed by Southend-supporting trick or treaters who were out celebrating Halloween.

"My wife and I are big kids really so we had the front of our house all decorated and had the pumpkins up and everything," said Barrett.

"I think that attracted a few more people but when I went out with the tray of sweets it was a bit strange that all these kids in scary masks were all saying "hello Adam!"

"It was all good fun though and the only downer was that there weren't any sweets left for us!"

But bagging the winner against the Cobblers at the Sixfields Stadiums certainly made amends for Barrett.

The 27-year-old, who is currently captaining the team in the absence of Kevin Maher, made no mistake from close range as he again proved to be the match-winner against Northampton.

"This is proving to be a lucky ground for me," he said.

"I got a couple here the year we went up from League Two and it was great to get another one to help us get three more points.

"It puts us back on track after losing to Carlisle and we're all delighted because Northampton are a good side and we've done really well to beat them."

Blues did ride their luck at times with Andy Kirk firing a first half penalty against the right post and Daniel Jones hitting the crossbar with a screaming shot.

But Tilson was still full of praise for his troops, who continue to impress away from home.

"It was a good, entertaining game which could easily have ended up 3-3 because there were loads of chances at either end," said the Blues boss.

"Northampton have been doing well though so it's a great win. Not many teams get anything here so we're delighted to come out on top.

"Now we move on to Nottingham Forest tomorrow night which is going to be another really tough game for us.

"They've got another good win so will go into the match feeling confident because they're on a decent run, but we're doing well too so we're looking forward to going there."