IN the build-up to Saturday’s match with Wycombe Wanderers, Southend United manager Phil Brown labeled the meeting as the one of the most important he has experienced in charge of the Shrimpers.

But, in the end, it also turned out to be one of the most frustrating.

Blues bossed the majority of the match at Roots Hall yet ended up having to settle for a 2-2 draw after failing to convert a series of clear cut chances.

Joe Pigott and Kevan Hurst missed the best of the bunch while Myles Weston and Adam Thompson could also have netted in what was arguably the Shrimpers’ best home display of the season so far.

Southend enjoyed sustained periods of pressure and showed an attacking intent which has been lacking for most of the season at their own ground.

With David Worrall on one wing and Hurst on the other, there was also good balance to their play and the system, along with the style of play, again brought the best out of Barry Corr.

Playing alongside Joe Pigott in attack and with a higher number of crosses seemingly coming in to the box, Corr has scored five goals in his last five goals.

But such an impressive strike ratio would not have been possible earlier on in the season when the Irishman was often left isolated in attack.

During that time, the Shrimpers would often struggle to hit the back of the net at home but there were no problems at the weekend against Wycombe, who are also Corr’s favourite opposition.

The striker has now scored six goals in his last seven games against the Chairboys and has hit the back of Wycombe’s net more than any other team.

However, his first brace since October 2013, when he scored twice against Fleetwood Town, was only good enough to secure a share of the spoils on Saturday.

And that was tough for everyone connected with the club to have to take.

Victory would have pushed Blues to within two points of Wycombe, who currently occupy the final automatic promotion position.

But the Chairboys’ 85th minute equaliser, which came when Alfie Mawson headed home from close range means the Shrimpers remain five points behind the top three with 11 games to go, Blues will desperately be looking to close that gap and their attacking improvements can certainly help make that happen.

The impressive manner of their performance against a team as high in the table as Wycombe also bodes well.

However the frustrating finale made it feel like more of a defeat for the Shrimpers who have now triumphed in just one of their last five games.

Blues have also collected just five points out of the last 15 on offer and will need to improve that ratio during the run in if they are to secure a top three finish this season.

On average during the past 10 campaigns it has taken 80 points to win automatic promotion from League Two.

If that is to be maintained this term, then the Shrimpers will need to pick up 21 points from their remaining 11 games.

Such a total equates to seven victories and represents quite a tough ask for Blues.

But in glimpses during the past couple of months and, in truth, for most of Saturday’s game with Wycombe, the Shrimpers have shown what they could be capable of.

If that can be repeated on a more consistent basis then a top three finish could still be possible.

However, the costly conclusion to the game with Wycombe has now made the task a whole lot tougher.

And it also provided a painful reminder that it is points and not performances which matter more than anything else at this decisive stage of the season.