Defender Scott-Morriss continues scoring streak

Gus Scott-Morriss (left) began the season with eight goals in Southend's first 10 National League games

It's been quite a season for full-back Gus Scott-Morriss - but perhaps not in the way that even he anticipated.

He was 25 when he made the step up to the top tier of English non-league football with Southend United just over two years ago, having previously pursued his career with the likes of Royston Town and Hemel Hempstead Town.

Scott-Morriss scored his 15th goal of the season with a powerful strike in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Woking, almost doubling his tally of eight for the whole of the 2023-24 campaign.

"It's just one of those things at the moment, I have the belief to try to go and score and everything I hit seems to go in - so that's a plus point," Southend's number two told BBC Essex Sport.

Southend lost their place in the English Football League in 2021 and have work to do if they want to win promotion this season, despite a six-match unbeaten run.

Their past three games have all ended as draws, leaving them six points outside the play-off places with 11 to play.

Scott-Morriss - who can also play further forward as a wing-back and began the season with eight goals in Southend's first 10 league games - admitted the team felt "deflated" after twice failing to hang onto a lead against Woking at Roots Hall.

"We didn't really have enough time after our second goal (before Woking equalised) to really get hold of the game," he said.

"We just need to go and back up these performances with wins and if we can string a few together, I can see us climbing the table very fast."

Aribim Pepple is the only other Southend player to reach double figures this season, although three of his 10 goals came in an FA Trophy game and he departed for Chesterfield during the January transfer window.

Boss Kevin Maher must therefore hope that Scott-Morriss' scoring exploits continue as the defender looks to become the first player since Barry Corr in 2010-11 to reach 20 in a season for the Shrimpers.

"Gus' goal (against Woking) was a terrific finish and that's the form he's in," Maher said.

"There were bits to tighten up but overall it was a good performance and it's a bit frustrating not winning the game and not getting three points."

Southend are at home again on Saturday against Altrincham, the team currently occupying the final play-off place.

National League leading scorers 2024-25

22 - Ollie Pearce (York)

18 - Regan Linney (Altrincham)

16 - Nick Haughton - Fylde

15 - Gus Scott-Morriss (Southend), Mike Fondop (Oldham)

14 - Will Davies (Sutton)