SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is refusing to give up on automatic promotion for his side.

The Shrimpers are currently sixth in the League Two table, nine points behind third placed Chesterfield with five games to go.

But Brown still feels Blues are capable of closing that gap.

“We can still get 77 points and if we do that then who knows what can still happen,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We’ve won our last three games, hopefully we can make it four on Saturday by beating AFC Wimbledon and then there are just the four games to go.

“I’m not going crazy and saying we’re definitely going to do it and we do have some very hard games coming up as we’ve still got to play three of the top five teams.

“But the players are alive again, the blood is pumping through their veins and we’re looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead so why shouldn’t we be aiming for the maximum number of points.

“I also think it will take fewer points than usual to finish in the top three and in the play offs as well so that could also work in our favour.”

The Shrimpers host 17th placed AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall this weekend full of confidence after a 2-1 triumph at Cheltenham Town last weekend.

Kevan Hurst bagged Blues’ winner at Whaddon Road and Brown also feels that the winger’s renewed confidence can also help his side climb further up the table.

“It was fantastic for Kevan to score and to have him firing again,” said the Blues boss.

“If you look at the stats I think he’s been involved in about half of our goals this season.

“His goals and assists are a major reason for our success so it was great for him to get back on the score-sheet at Cheltenham and hopefully there will be more to come from him in the games we have coming up.”