SOUTHEND United skipper Anton Ferdinand is relieved to still be in the race for the play-offs.

The Shrimpers suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against MK Dons at Roots Hall this afternoon.

But, with sixth placed Millwall losing 1-0 at Fleetwood Town, Blues remain just a point behind the Lions with two games to go.

And Ferdinand is happy to still be able to challenge for promotion.

“Coming off the pitch at the end and hearing the Millwall result there’s half of you thinking we could have gone above them if we had a got a better result,” said the 32-year-old.

“But the other half of you is relieved to still be in with a chance of getting in the play-offs.

“Obviously losing any game is always a blow but the positive thing here is that we’re still in it.

“We still have a chance and we have to make sure we make the most of it.

“We have to get back on the training pitch and train harder than ever to be ready for the game at Shrewsbury on Saturday.”

However, the seventh placed Shrimpers will be heading to Shropshire on the back of a disappointing defeat.

Two goals in quick succession at the start of the second half saw mid-table MK Dons secure a shock win.

And Ferdinand was unsure why Blues were not at their best.

“I can’t put my finger on what went wrong,” said Ferdinand who was watched at Roots Hall by his older brother Rio.

“I think we had the chances to win the game and maybe there was a bit of anxiety on our behalf.

“But, at the same time, I hit the post and so did Woody (Anthony Wordsworth) and we also had a few crosses go right across the face of the goal and sometimes you get days when the rub of the green just doesn’t go your way.

“However, we just have to make sure we keep on believing and that we’re also staying fully focused on the job in hand.

“We get paid to deal with this kind of pressure and we need to go and bounce back at Shrewsbury now.”

The Shrews are currently 19th in the table, three points above the relegation zone but Ferdinand believes they will be tough opponents.

“Shrewsbury are fighting for their lives and it will be difficult,” he added.