Southend United goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan today expressed his joy at ending "one of the worst spells" of his career.

The Shrimpers shot-stopper returned to the starting line-up for Saturday's 5-2 FA Cup victory over Dagenham and Redbridge after a frustrating four month spell out of favour.

And he is now determined to stay in the side.

"It was obviously nice to be back out there again," said Flahavan who originally lost his place in the team to Steve Collis through illness and a back injury.

"Coming back from the injury and not being able to get back in was very frustrating for me. It was one of the worst and hardest spells of my career but you have to take it on the chin and remain professional.

"Everyone goes through it at some stage and you just have to keep working hard in training and wait for your chance.

"That's what I did and now an opportunity has come my way I'm hoping to do well and stay in the side."

Flahavan produced an assured display between the sticks against Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Cup third round at the weekend and was pleased to come back with a win.

"I've have very few games during the last few months so taking that into consideration I was pleased with the way it went," he said.

"But getting the win is what matters the most because it's all about the team. It doesn't matter whether it's Steve or me in goal we just needed to get the result after what's happened in the last few weeks.

"Thankfully that happened against Dagenham and we shall look to continue and get another win when we return to the league against Yeovil on Saturday."

That could prove tricky as the Glovers currently sit above Steve Tilson's side in eighth.

Flahavan therefore expects a busy afternoon but is confident of grabbing another good result.

"We've had some good battles with them over the years," he said.

"I'm sure it will be the same at the weekend but hopefully we can get the win we need to get our league season going again."

Written by Chris Phillips, Southend Echo