SATURDAY'S clash at Gresty Road was goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan's 344th game for Southend United.

And among those previous appearances there are unlikely to be have been many more dramatic than this latest triumph.

The shot-stopper has enjoyed some stunning showings since signing for the Shrimpers, including a breathtaking display against Manchester United in the Carling Cup last season and an even better one while beating Hartlepool 2-1 back in December 2005.

But never before has he saved two penalties in the same match like he did at Crewe.

The custodian did well to deny both Gary Roberts and Kenny Lunt and again emphasised his importance to the current Southend side.

The long-serving keeper has not been the busiest between the sticks so far this season but on Saturday it was his turn to shine as the Shrimpers maintained their recent revival by stretching their unbeaten run to 10 matches.

They now look odds on to reach the play-offs with both Brighton and Tranmere losing but Flahavan's immense involvement should not have been required to grab three more points against the relegation-threatened Railwaymen.

For in the first half the home side's defence would have struggled in the Southend Sceptre League let alone League One and the visitors were by far the better team.

But after the break Blues took their foot off the gas and allowed their hosts back into the game before Lee Barnard extended his excellent scoring streak by grabbing another goal late on.

The game should have been killed off long before then though and that, along with the list of injuries, remain Southend's only concerns.

Lewis Hunt's hernia means they are now desperately short of cover at the back and if the season is to end successfully, which the current momentum suggests, then the Seasiders will have to avoid many more injuries or suspensions.