DARRYL Flahavan helped maintained the Shrimpers push for promotion with a remarkable performance at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

The Southend United shot-stopper superbly kept out penalties from both Gary Roberts and Kenny Lunt as his side secured a 3-1 win.

And that was the perfect way to celebrate moving to second in the club's all-time appearance list for goalkeepers.

"It was an eventful afternoon for me and an excellent way to mark going up the appearance rankings, which is a big thing," said Flahavan, who has now played 344 times for Blues since first signing in 2000.

"I have never faced two penalties in the same game before, let alone save them both, so it was pleasing and it made a change for me to have something to do.

"It's been a bit quiet for me lately, which isn't a problem because it means we've been doing well, but this time I had to make a few saves which is what I'm there to do."

Flahavan parried away a penalty to each half to keep the Seasiders fifth in the League One standings, six points clear of seventh-placed Tranmere Rovers.

But the keeper was keen to share the praise with his goalkeeping coach Lee Turner.

"Lee had done his homework and had studied the penalties taken by Roberts," said Flahavan.

"He knew he went that way and he does a lot of excellent work with us. A lot of the developments I have made since signing have been down to him and he doesn't get the credit he deserves.

"As for the second one, I didn't have a clue what he was going to do and just guessed. Thankfully I went the right way and kept it out so we could hang on to get the win we all wanted."

Two goals from Lee Barnard and another from James Walker did the damage at the opposite end.

But it was Flahavan who earned the praise of manager Steve Tilson at the final whistle.

"Flavs has earned the lads their win bonuses," said the Blues boss.

"To save two penalties in the same match is brilliant but we should have been out of sight before they were given and we really made hard work of it.

"We made a lot of chances that we didn't take and when we gave away a poor, poor goal we were suddenly up against us.

"Before then we were coasting but thankfully Barney come up trumps with another great finish and that killed the game off.

"It's a great win and it keeps this run we're on going."