On target - Southend United striker Josh Walker celebrates scoring
(Image: Lucy Copsey)
By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.
JOSH Walker is relishing his role in Southend United's triple strike-force.
The Shrimpers have switched to a front three for their last two matches.
And Walker - who netted Blues' first goal in Tuesday night's 2-0 win against AFC Fylde - believes the change has made Kevin Maher's side more of a threat in the final third.
"The last two games it's worked really well and we've created more chances than we had been doing," said Walker.
"It's been a good formation so far and I think that's helped us.
"We created a lot of chances and thankfully I put one away."
Walker's fourth goal of the season put the Shrimpers ahead on the stroke of half-time at Roots Hall.
But the Shrimpers squandered a series of clear-cut chances before Walker's low shot hit the back of the net.
"We had a few chances in the first half, myself included, that we should have put away but thankfully I put away the second chance I had," said Walker.
"It was probably a harder chance I scored but they all count.
"It was good to go ahead but we were so dominant on the ball it was only a matter of time before one of the chances went in."
Walker ran from the halfway line before sending his shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net from 25 yards.
But he was not aware of the passing options open to him before scoring.
"Everyone keeps telling me that Bridgey (Jack Bridge) was screaming for the ball but I didn't se him," said Walker.
"I saw Macca (Bonne) to my right but the defender was backing off so I went for it and thankfully it went in."
The goal was Walker's first of the season at Roots Hall and led to the Shrimpers picking up what the striker felt was a well deserved win.
"It was an all round good performance,” said Walker.
“You're not going to be as dominant for the whole game because things change but we played well in the second half as well and got the second goal which was good.”
An own goal from Emeka Obi sealed the victory for the Shrimpers.
But Walker remains confused as to why he was not awarded a penalty after appearing to be brought down in the box.
“It was definitely a penalty but we won't talk about that too much,” said Walker.
“It was a good night and we’re confident now.
“Hopefully we can go and win in the Trophy now too.”
The Shrimpers are next in action against Sittingbourne in the FA Trophy at Roots Hall on Saturday.