Southend United midfielder Michael Timlin has expressed his annoyance at having to come off in the first leg of their League Two playoff semi-final against Stevenage, but is happy that he was able to return for the second leg.

The 30-year-old, who collided with Stevenage captain Bira Dembele when competing for a header in Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Lamex Stadium, left the field bandaged and covered in blood before having a number of stitches inserted in a wound above his eye.

He returned for the second leg at Roots Hall, however, and went on to score in the final stages of his side's 3-1 win to put the game beyond Graham Westley's charges.

Timlin told Sky Sports News after the game: "We had so many chances it was one of those days when we didn't think we were going to get it. Credit to Stevenage, they battled really well. I think we deserved it and we showed the character that we have got.

"I was annoyed when I had to come off in the first leg but I was always going to make sure I was ready for this. It was a bigger game than me and I wouldn't have played if I didn't think I was 100%."

Southend will travel to Wembley on May 23 to take on Wycombe Wanderers for the right to play in League One next season.