SOUTHEND United proved their play-off credentials with a convincing 4-1 win at Peterborough United tonight.

The Shrimpers went into the clash at London Road three points above their hosts.

But goals from Jason Demetriou, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Anthony Wordsworth and Michael Timlin made sure of a memorable victory for Phil Brown’s side who now sit fifth in the League One table.

Despite the final score-line, Blues were forced to survive a scare midway through the first half when Marcus Maddison curled a 20 yard shot inches wide of the left post before the midfielder had a well struck shot from even further out smartly smothered by Blues goalkeeper Ted Smith.

After surviving the scares, Southend replied with Jermaine McGlashan dragging a low shot wide of the left post from the edge of the penalty area before Ryan Inniss well-struck half volley from a narrow angle was kept out by a combination of Posh goalkeeper Luke McGee and the right post.

But, just before the break, Blues broke the deadlock when a deflected effort from Fortune fell into the path of Demetriou whose glancing header struck the inside of the left post before being adjudged to have crossed the line by the assistant referee.

After the break, a fine last ditch challenge from Peterborough defender Ryan Tafazolli deflected a goalbound Wordsworth effort wide of the left post.

But Blues were not to be denied a second goal for long and, on the hour mark, the visitors doubled their lead as Fortune raced onto a long ball forward and beat the advancing McGee with a cool, right footed shot.

Four minutes later, the Shrimpers extended their lead even further as Demetriou intercepted a poor Peterborough pass in the penalty area and rolled a square pass into the path of Wordsworth who fired home, left footed from 14 yards.

After making it 3-0, Blues boss Phil Brown made two changes in quick succession with Theo Robinson and Nile Ranger entering the action in place of Jermaine McGlashan and Simon Cox.

But it was Peterborough who threatened next with Paul Taylor having a powerful effort headed off the line by Ryan Leonard before the Shrimpers wasted a huge opportunity to make it 4-0 as Demetriou teed up an unmarked Robinson whose low shot was blocked by McGee.

A relieved Peterborough replied by getting a goal back in the 80th minute when substitute Tom Nichols raced through to the score.

But the Shrimpers made sure of their win deep into added on time with Timlin firing home from 12 yards just hours after becoming a father for the first time.