A STOPPAGE TIME strike from Michael Timlin secured Southend United a dramatic 1-0 win at Exeter City this afternoon.

The influential midfielder bundled the ball home in injury time to secure a fifth successive victory for the Shrimpers.

And Phil Brown’s side are now just three points behind the automatic promotion places with a game in hand.

Blues were forced to work hard for the win at St.James Park and found themselves under pressure in the first half with with Exeter winger Liam Sercombe shooting over from 25 yards before Grecians striker Jimmy Keohane fired wide of the right post after dangerously bursting into the box.

Moments later, David Wheeler shot past the opposite upright from 12 yards and Keohane then did likewise after being teed up by Matt Oakley.

With the home-side remaining on top, Ryan Harley sent a well struck long range over the crossbar but Blues withstood the home-side’s spell of pressure and almost broke the deadlock themselves at the start of the second half when Michael Timlin’s right wing cross picked out Joe Pigott only for the striker to send his close range header wide of the right post.

However, Exeter soon hit back with Keohane shooting wide of the right post from 20 yards.

Blues responded by making a double change just past the hour mark with Jack Payne replacing Stephen McLaughlin and Barry Corr coming on for Pigott.

But it was Exeter substitute Tom Nichols who had the game’s next effort at goal with a low, 20 yard shot that was smartly saved by Shrimpers’ goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Southend replied by making their third change in the 75th minute with Myles Weston replacing Jake Cassidy in attack and Weston was immediately involved as his low, left footed shot was tipped wide of the right post by Exeter goalkeeper Christy Pym.

Blues soon went even closer with Payne volleying just wide of the left post from 12 yards after Ryan Leonard’s long throw from the left hand side had been cleared into the youngster’s path.

However, the Shrimpers were not to be denied and, two minutes into stoppage time, Timlin bagged a dramatic late winner.

The midfielder was picked out by Payne’s ball from the right hand side and fired home from close range to spark some wild celebrations from the Shrimpers who do still have a chance of a top three finish.