TED Smith believes Southend United are right back in the race for the League One play-offs.

A 2-0 win at Coventry City on Tuesday night moved the Shrimpers to within a point of sixth placed Millwall.

And the Blues shot-stopper believes it was a vital victory for Phil Brown’s side.

“I think we’re right back in it now,” said Smith.

“Millwall have two games in hand but if we hadn’t have won at Coventry then I’m not sure they would have even gone into those matches thinking about us or looking at what we’ve done.

“But now we’re only a point behind them they will know we’re there waiting for a slip up.

“We can’t think too much about them though and we just have to remain focus on our own matches.

“I thought we were brilliant at Coventry and I literally only had one save to make and even that was a pea-roller.”

Smith will be bidding for another keen clean sheet in this Saturday’s game against Walsall at Roots Hall.

And the game will see the 21-year-old reach his target for the season.

“At the start of the season my target was 20 games and, as long as I’m selected, that will be on Saturday which would be really good,” said the former King John School pupil.

“I’m really enjoying my run in the team at the moment, I’ve played the last 15 games and I’m really enjoying it.”