Scott-Morriss hitches ride to play for Southend

Southend skipper Gus Scott-Morriss is renowned for his goalscoring exploits from full-back - but maybe, once his playing days are over, he could consider finding a spot on the seafront as a clairvoyant.

Last week, during a BBC Essex feature about old cars, he sent in a voicenote to express concern that his would break down on the way to a game.

Lo and behold, his fears were realised on Friday when he had to hitch a ride on another team's bus to reach Southend's match against Halifax Town.

His Toyota - which actually belongs to his sister - broke down on the way to the pitch-up point for the coach north.

But he was able to arrange transport on the Bedford Town bus heading north for their game at South Shields.

Following Saturday's game, which Southend won 6-2, boss Kevin Maher praised the defender's determination to make it to Halifax.

"I considered resting him because he had a sore hip in midweek and he had planes, trains and automobiles to get here," Maher told BBC Essex.

"He arrived just after dinner (on Friday) so not too bad. He was desperate to play and credit to his professionalism and his character that he does it - and scores again."

Scott-Morriss' goal at The Shay was his 17th of the season, equalling his tally for last season.

Southend had already secured a place in the play-offs, but moved up to sixth in the National League table after outplaying Halifax. They are now unbeaten in eight games.

And perhaps best of all for Scott-Morriss, he was able was able to return south on the direct bus along with his team-mates.

There was good news for Bedford too - they drew 1-1 in the north east to boost their chances of avoiding relegation from National League North.

They are three points clear of the bottom four with one game remaining, but have a vastly superior goal difference.