Shaun Goater made a scoring return to fitness yesterday, notching for the Shrimpers reserves in his comeback match.

The Bermudian veteran volleyed home from close range in the 36th minute of a 4-3 reserve victory over Stevenage Borough in which the 35-year-old played 53 minutes.

Goater missed the entire festive season with a dislocated collarbone during which his team-mates somehow managed to go an unbeaten run that pushed them to the top of the League One table despite having as few as 13 fit and available players at times.

Southend dropped to second this week after Swansea won one of their games in hand on Tuesday night and are at home to Brentford on Saturday with Goater expected to return to the line up.