Shaun Goater marked his return to the Southend starting line-up with his first goal in over three months to keep the Shrimpers flying high in League One.

The Bermudian's 75th-minute close range finish ? his seventh of the season ? helped seal a 2-0 victory at Huish Park which keeps Steve Tilson's men two points clear at the top of the table.

With Wayne Gray out for three weeks with injury, Goater was given his first start since returning from a dislocated collarbone and made the most of it, firing in only his second goal since mid-September, latching on to a rebound after Adam Barrett had his header from a corner saved.

New signing Lee Bradbury replaced Goater in the 84th minute of the victory, played in front of just over 6,000 fans.

Southend next take on Goater's former team Rotherham on Friday at Roots Hall.

"It was lovely to see Shaun score a goal," said Tilson afterwards.

"He looked back to being the sort of player we knew he was going to be for us at the start of the season. It was the right time to bring Shaun back for us."

Meanwhile Stateside, David Bascome scored twice as the Baltimore Blast came from behind to beat the defending champions, Milwaukee Wave, 6-5 in the Major Indoor Soccer League.The veteran scored his side's fourth and fifth goals in the victory.

John Barry Nusum's Philadelphia KiXX lost their fifth straight game, going down 4-3 against the California Cougars.