GOOD Friday more than lived up to its name for Southend United as the Shrimpers cruised to a comfortable and convincing 4-0 victory at Chesterfield.

The win was Blues’ biggest of the season and in more ways than just the final score-line as the triumph ended a run of two successive defeats to keep alive Phil Brown side’s hopes of securing a play-off place.

Defeat at the Proact Stadium would realistically have ended the Shrimpers’ hopes of a top six season, especially with results elsewhere.

But the Spireites never looked capable of springing a surprise as they failed to register a single shot on target or force at least one corner during a dismal display which – without wanting to sound too harsh – showed just why they are now destined for relegation.

In contrast, Blues remain just one place and one point below the top six after securing their biggest league win away from home since beating AFC Wimbledon 4-0 in November 2012.

The comprehensive victory was also secured despite the Shrimpers having a number of pre-match fears surrounding the fitness of a number of key players.

However, Anton Ferdinand, Adam Thompson and Nile Ranger were all able to start along with John White whose professionalism continues to shine through.

The defender has not been used as frequently as in previous campaigns and his unheralded displays are unlikely to often hit the headlines.

Yet, in the past few weeks, White has been thrust into a number of different defensive positions and on every occasion has produced an incredibly impressive performance.

On Friday, White lined up at left-back and was barely troubled at the back on what was his 150th appearance for the Shrimpers.

The defender also charged forward to create Southend’s second goal and he is now becoming far more appreciated by the Blues faithful.

White’s attitude in putting the team before the needs of himself is to be admired and is something which will need to be replicated all over the pitch if a place in the play-offs is to be secured.

The Shrimpers’ cause was significantly helped by a red card shown to Spireites midfielder Dion Donohue just before half-time on Friday when the visitors were already 1-0 up.

However, how Blues reacted to the red card was arguably the most pleasing aspect of the afternoon.

In the past, Southend have opted to sit back to protect a narrow lead and have been forced to survive some unnecessarily nervous endings.

But, on Friday, the Shrimpers stayed on the front foot and blew their hosts away with three goals in quick succession in the second half to stay right in the race for the play-offs.

Yet there is no time for Blues to sit back and enjoy their success as another key contest - against MK Dons - lies in store tomorrow.

With rivals Millwall in action at third placed Fleetwood Town it is another important afternoon for Southend who will be hoping Good Friday can be followed by an even better Monday.