GARRETH O'Connor has set his sights on becoming Cherries' new spot-kick king after getting off the mark with the 'perfect' penalty.

O'Connor netted his third goal of the season to help Cherries climb back into the promotion frame following their 1-0 win at Southend on Saturday.

The Irishman tucked his right-foot effort into the bottom corner, squeezing the ball past the outstretched hand of Shrimpers goalkeeper Daryl Flahavan.

O'Connor, 24, volunteered to shoulder responsibility for penalties after Wade Elliott decided to step down earlier this season.

And although Elliott originally handed the baton to Alan Connell, O'Connor stepped in to deputise after the young striker was ruled out through injury.

O'Connor, who grabbed the decider after Southend defender Damon Searle had been penalised for handball, said: "If Alan had not got injured, he would have been on them.

"The last time Wade missed one, he decided he didn't fancy them and said he was happy to let somebody else have a go. We had a few in training and I said I wouldn't mind taking them.

"I used to take them years ago when I was a schoolboy, but I've never had one here, not even in the reserves.

"I was pleased to see it go in. I had a little jink when I ran up which I thought would send the goalkeeper the wrong way, but he guessed right when he dived and nearly got to it. I thought it was a very professional performance. We've passed better in other games, but we all stuck together and it's a great result."

Cherries recorded a 4-3 win over Football League Under-19 Youth Alliance rivals Cheltenham Town on Saturday. Full report in tomorrow's Daily Echo.