ON-loan Charlton winger Kyel Reid came off the bench to provide an assist and the dramatic late winner against Southend – putting a remarkable cap on a manic week for the youngster.
Reid, 22, scored his first goal for his new club in the 2-0 win at home to Yeovil last Saturday, only to lose his starting place at Roots Hall after the Addicks’ midweek defeat to Brighton.
But with the side again trailing to the ten men of the struggling Shrimpers, the West Ham Academy graduate blew everyone away with a game-changing cameo.
And Reid was pleased with his journey over the last seven days, saying: “It’s been a very good week for me, and I feel that it’s my best season fitness-wise.
“I’m finally finding my feet within the game and becoming more and more mature and my knowledge of the game is becoming much, much better.
“I was very pleased with the result today and to get on the scoresheet once again.
“I had a brilliant game against Yeovil on Saturday and then Tuesday I wanted to have an even better game but everyone has one of those games where things just aren’t going your way.
“I had a word with the gaffer yesterday at training and he said a few things about my gameplay, what he wants me to do and then he said he was putting me on the bench today.
“When he told me to get on and go win us the game, be the match winner, I thought to myself right there that I can show everyone what I can do.
“It’s about your reaction. Obviously you’re going to be disappointted not starting but if you do get on then it’s about showing the gaffer that you should have started or give him something to think about.”
Reid has only ever scored senior goals for teams he has joined on loan thus far in his brief career, and three of those five have come at Southend’s expense.
And he was delighted to have not only continued his uncanny record against the struggling Shrimpers, but to also have helped forward Akpo Sodje continue his recent scoring ways.
He continued: “When the ball came to me I got in a good ball to Akpo, and I was chuffed for him to get a goal as well because as a striker you need goals to get your confidence up.
“He got one today and he got one on Tuesday so he’s on a high at the minute so I’m glad for him and also for myself, I was buzzing to get on the scoresheet as well. I’m enjoying playing here and enjoying my time here.
“I’ve scored quite a few goals against Southend. I scored here for Barnsley and then again at Oakwell.
“I said to myself before the game that I always manage to score against Southend and it was good for me to get on the scoresheet today and and also for my family here to see as well, so I’m pleased.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here