SOUTHEND United wing-back Gus Scott-Morris was delighted to start the new year with his own kind of celebrations!

Scott-Morriss bagged a late brace in Blues’ 3-0 win against Halifax Town at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And the return to the score-sheet enabled Scott-Morriss to eventually carry out his pre-planned celebration made famous by former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane.

“I have a superstition where if I don’t score for a while I make a celebration up to try and help it,” said Scott-Morriss.

“It was supposed to be a Robbie Keane roly-poly but I forgot after the first one because I was so happy scoring”

“But when I got the second I made sure I did it. “

Scott-Morriss now have five goals for the Shrimpers this season.

And he was relieved to get back on the score-sheet after nine games without a goal.

“I’m so pleased,” said the 26-year-old.

“It’s been on my mind for a couple of weeks now because I like to pose a threat in the box.

“It’s been a few games where it’s been nearly happening but it just wasn’t quite falling for me so I’m relieved to score and the second was a nice bonus.”

The victory saw the Shrimpers get back to winning ways after two defeats in Barnet in quick succession.

And Scott-Morriss felt it was the best possible way to kick off the New Year.

“It’s the perfect start to 2024,” said Scott-Morriss.

“They set up to be very hard to beat and we weren’t at our best but we were good enough to get the job done which is the most important thing because we’ve had a bit of a bad run.

“It was a bit nervy at 1-0 but we felt comfortable after the second goal and the third made the game dead.”

Scott-Morriss’ well-taken brace followed an early opener from Henry Sandat.

And the wing-back felt it was a fine result against a Halifax side who started the day in the play-off places.

“They’re a good side and they’re where they are in the table for a reason,” said Scott-Morriss.

“They’ve got some dangerous players and they set up for you to make a mistake then try to punish it.

“But we kept them quiet enough to get the clean sheet and I’m really happy the lads have got three points. “ And Scott-Morriss was also happy the Shrimpers were able to convert the chances coming their way.

“We weren’t clinical enough against Barnet,” said Scott-Morriss.

“We can say we played well but it’s an industry where results matter.

“It could have been the worst game of football but as long as we got the three points it wouldn’t have mattered.”

However, the 3-0 scoreline brought smiles to the faces of the Shrimpers supporters who have also been boosted by Justin Rees and his consortium edging closer to taking control of the club.

“It’s moving in the right direction but it’s going to take time,” said Scott-Morriss.

“It won’t just happen overnight with five new players turning up.

“I know the management will work tirelessly to get the right bodies in but it is going the right way and it’s nice because there have been many a time when it hasn’t been here.”