WILL Atkinson believes Southend United can still achieve automatic promotion this season after winning 1-0 at struggling Hartlepool yesterday.

Atkinson bagged the winning goal to move Blues within five points of third placed Wycombe Wanderers with a game in hand.

And the Shrimpers winger, who has now scored twice in two games, is not ruling out catching the Chairboys.

“Anything can happen in this league and we’re certainly not ruling out the top three,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’ve personally never stopped believing about automatic promotion and I’m certainly not going to now.

“We’ve closed the gap by winning both of our games over Easter and I think it’s still all to play for.”

Third placed Wycombe were beaten 1-0 at table-topping Burton yesterday while Bury, who sit fourth, were seen off 2-1 at home to Morecambe.

And that made the Shrimpers hard fought win at Hartlepool even more significant.

“It was a really big result for us,” said Atkinson.

“Hartlepool is a tough place to come, especially as they’re on a great run at the moment and they’re fighting for their lives towards the bottom of the table.

“They had a big crowd in too so it was a great win and the other results made it even better.”

Atkinson also played a crucial part in the win as he fired home the only goal of the game eight minutes into the second half.

And he was thrilled to continue his new found goalscoring form having previously gone 39 games and 12 months without hitting the back of the net.

“I’ve not scored many this season so it’s nice to get two in two and hopefully there are still a few more to come,” said Atkinson, who was also on target against Mansfield Town on Good Friday.

“I was getting frustrated about not scoring because I like to think of myself as a creative player but hopefully it’s turned for me now.

“I’m trying to get on the end of more second balls and it seems to have worked in the last couple of games.”

Atkinson’s latest effort also delighted Blues’ travelling contingent of 257 and the energetic midfielder was pleased to have sent them home happy.

“To come all this way to support us is unbelievable,” said Atkinson.

“I also had about 20 of my friends and family here so it was also nice to score with them here and for us to get another important win.

“But we have to follow this up against Tranmere on Saturday now.”