FREDDY Eastwood is pushing for a place in Southend United's starting line-up after scoring the winning goal in Saturday's 2-1 triumph over Exeter City.

Eastwood came off the bench to score the game's decisive goal with just two minutes left.

And he now hopes to be given more opportunities to impress.

“It was great to come on and get the winning goal and I want to try and push on from here now and hopefully get a few starts,” said Eastwood, who missed the start of the season with a calf problem.

“It was frustrating getting the injury just before the start of the season because I had been feeling in tip top shape so to then be sidelined was disappointing.

“But I've come on here and got a goal and I'm feeling good again.

“You're never going to get fully match fit and sharp without getting games so there's still that to come back but I will need matches for that to happen and hopefully I'll get them soon.”

Eastwood entered the action in place of Elliot Benyon midway through the second half and immediately helped swing the match back in favour of Blues.

That resulted in Barry Corr levelling the match before Eastwood's late winner and the former Grays Athletic striker felt Southend were worthy winners.

“In the end I thought we outplayed them and deserved the three points,” said Eastwood.

“Exeter are a good side who are right up there and so are Gillingham who I also thought we outplayed last Tuesday so that's a good sign.

“We're still trying to find our feet and probably what our best team is too but the spirit here is great and I think that's been shown in the last few matches.”

Eastwood's influence on the game was also praised by manager Paul Sturrock and he felt the 28-year-old relished playing in a slightly withdrawn role.

“We put Freddy on in a deeper role and I think it suited him,” said Sturrock.

“He can spot a pass and got better the longer he was on.

“He knocked the ball out to Chris Barker in the first place for the goal and got on the end of it with a quality finish so we're really pleased.”