SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin proved he was a cut above the rest by heroically helping the Shrimpers reach the final of the League Two play-offs with a 3-1 win against Stevenage at Roots Hall.

Timlin fired home Blues’ final goal of the game deep into extra time.

And his fine strike came just four days after the 30-year-old had been forced to have 15 stitches on a horrific head wound suffered in the first leg at Broadhall Way.

“There was just no way I could miss a match like this and what a night it’s proved to be,” said the midfielder, who played wearing protective headwear.

“It just never crossed my mind not to play and whatever it took I was going to be out there and it was worth all the pain.

“It wasn’t too bad playing in the scull-cap and I’ll be wearing it at Wembley if I have to.”

However, way before Timlin’s late winner, Blues looked to be heading for a frustrating evening as they wasted a succession of clear cut chances.

The best of the bunch came when Barry Corr sent a stoppage time penalty against the top of the crossbar which meant the tie had to be settled in extra time.

And Timlin feared it was not going to be Southend’s night.

“With the chances that kept on just missing I guess you do start to fear it maybe isn’t meant to be but you can’t allow yourself to think like that,” said the midfielder.

“You have to keep on going and believe you’re going to get more chances which is what we did.

“I thought we were the better team and deserved to win but despite the excitement the job is only half done and this will mean nothing unless we beat Wycombe at Wembley now.”

Blues will take on the Chairboys on Saturday May 23 and Timlin cannot wait to finally run out at the home of English football.

“I’ve been there twice before, once with Southend and once with Swindon but I haven’t played either time,” said Timlin.

“Hopefully it can be a case of third time lucky and we can get the result we all want too.”