SOUTHEND United striker Harry Cardwell hopes to be celebrating again when the Shrimpers host AFC Fylde at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Cardwell’s sunk to his knees in joy after seeing Wes Fonguck score late on against Maidenhead United on Tuesday night and that reaction was picked up by several supporters on social media.

The joyous scenes incapsulated the spirit within Blues’ small squad and Cardwell was delighted to see the ball hit the back of the net.

“It was a relief to see it go in,” said Cardwell.

“We spoke about being solid at half-time and that if we came away with three points with everything going on off the pitch what a feeling it would be.

“That’s the feeling that came out at the end.”

Just three days before the 2-0 win, the Shrimpers suffered a 3-0 defeat at York City in an extremely tough day for the club.

But Blues were again able to show their strength of character by immediately getting back to winning ways.

“Saturday was a strange one with the decisions that went against us,” said Cardwell.

“It was disheartening really but the fans showed us the support at the end of the game and the connection we have with them is something special.

“The manager instilled us into it on the Monday that it was all about Tuesday’s game and we got it out of our system.”

The victory also saw the Shrimpers move off the foot of the National League table and again lifted spirits in the squad.

“It was a great result and one that’s boosted confidence,” said Cardwell.

“It was a good way to bounce back after the weekend and everything that went against us there.

“We’ve forgotten about that now and it was a bit of a relief to get that win.”

But Cardwell is focusing on making it back to back victories by seeing off AFC Fylde this afternoon.

“I’ve played them a few times before when I was with Chorley and it was seen as a little bit of a derby over there,” said Cardwell.

“We’ve had some good encounters and they’re a good side.

“They won National League North last season and they were always up the top end of the division when I was playing in it.

“They have good players so we’ll be wary of them but again be focused on ourselves.”