Soccer player scores game-winning goal in first game after death of son

Southend United's David Worrall scored the game-winning goal in his team's game against Bury FC, just weeks after the death of his newborn son.

Tuesday's game between Southend United and Bury FC in England's fourth-tier league was a massive one for both teams, as they fight to secure promotion to the third division. Southend's David Worrall had other things on his mind, though.

After Worrall scored the game-winning goal on a free kick in the 74th minute, Southend manager Phil Brown revealed Worrall had spent the past few weeks away from the team after the death of his newborn son. 

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9UknuzxWhM​]

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"Dave wants to dedicate that goal to his son, who died after just 45 minutes," Brown said, according to the club's website. "He demanded the ball and stuck it in the top corner. He and his girlfriend have been through the mill and that's been part of the reason why he hasn't played recently. He wanted to play the game. He wanted to start. He knew how important it is to get this club out of this division."

Worrall said he was overcome with emotion when the ball went in. 

Worrall: "I felt like crying when I scored. I knew my son was watching over me."

— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) April 21, 2015

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Southend entered the game in fifth place, with Bury right in front of them in fourth. The top three teams in the league are promoted to the third division, along with the winner of the playoff between the next four teams. 

- Dan Gartland

[​via Reddit]