SOUTHEND United’s share of the spoils at Torquay United on Saturday virtually guaranteed Blues will end the season in the play-off positions.

But many will not know whether celebrations or commiserations should be associated with that achievement.

Paul Sturrock’s side do deserve immense credit for the fantastic progress they have made in the last two seasons and a play-off berth is indicative of the wonderful work which has been done to transform the club’s fortunes.

However, at the same time, it is impossible to forget that as late as mid-January Southend sat top of the table and were six points clear of the play-offs.

Lapses in discipline and concentration have been partially to blame for Blues’ slip down the table since then.

But, while automatic promotion may now have all but slipped through their hands, Sturrock’s side do still have an excellent opportunity to work their way out of the basement division.

And Saturday’s determined draw at Torquay again showed that Blues will be more than a match for whoever they do come up against in the end of season showdowns.

Southend have now secured positive results from encouraging performances in three of their last four matches and they will want to take that form into the play-offs.

At the Plainmoor Stadium at the weekend, Blues were back to their well organised best and their work-rate was just as impressive as the shape of the team.

That also needs to be maintained in Southend’s remaining matches but Sturrock must decide what kind of part Freddy Eastwood will play in them.

The influential striker is currently struggling with a knee injury which is made worse the more he trains and plays.

But the forward also needs to improve his general level of fitness and that will only happen with more minutes of action.

It is therefore a tricky dilemma for Sturrock, but his side still have plenty to be playing for as an eventful season draws to an exciting conclusion — with the potential of plenty of celebrations and not commiserations to be taking place.