SOUTHEND United’s play-off win handed Will Atkinson the biggest buzz of his career – when he was not even on the pitch!

Atkinson had been replaced by Myles Weston by the time Joe Pigott bagged a dramatic late leveller for the Shrimpers.

But the energetic midfielder will never forget the moment the ball hit the back of the net.

“That single moment was the biggest buzz of my career and I wasn’t even on the pitch,” said Atkinson.

“I was on the bench when Pigs scored but from that moment on and the way the season had unfolded you knew we would win, especially with Daniel Bentley in goal.”

Bentley saved two penalties to help the Shrimpers triumph.

But Atkinson – who has played at Wembley three times – does not remember too much of the match.

“It’s all a bit of a blur now really but all the big games I’ve played in are when I look back,” said Atkinson.

“But I do remember I made a tackle in the first few seconds of the game on one of their key players and he ended up going off.”

The Shrimpers squad headed back to Southend to celebrate their success.

But the night did not get off to the best of starts.

“I remember going back to Southend and they wouldn’t let us into Mayhem because we had our tracksuits on!,” said Atkinson.

“We went to Dick De Vignes instead but that was definitely one of the best days of my career.”