SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes his side could not be better prepared for the League Two play-offs.

The Shrimpers warmed up for the end of season show-downs with a 1-0 win against their semi-final opponents Burton Albion at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Brown felt it was perfect preparation for what lies ahead.

“I didn't make changes because I wanted to take the form we've got in to the play-offs and I'm delighted that's happened so we've kept our winning mentality,” said the Blues boss.

“With this win I think we're top of the form guide for the last eight games. We've had six wins and one defeat in that time, we've kept six clean sheets and in Barry Corr we have a striker who is really in form now.

“With all that in mind we can be very confident going in to the play-offs and hopefully it will lead to us getting to Wembley and League One as well.”

Saturday's win at Roots Hall, which came courtesy of Corr's first half header, was Southend's second triumph against Burton this term.

Freddy Eastwood's late strike also secured the Shrimpers a 1 -0 win at the Pirelli Stadium back in October.

But Brown is not sure that will count for very much next week and believes his own experience of the play-offs will be of more importance.

“When it comes to these games I've had everything happen to me and I think that will stand me and the team in good stead,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“I've been promoted, I've lost in the final and I've lost in the semi-final before as well so I know what it's all like.

“That experience will be very important and it's now all about dealing with the pressure and keeping your bottle.

“It's a very different challenge we're facing now and they will be more like cup games than league ones.

“I'm excited about them though, especially because of the group of players we have here and I know they're looking forward to these games as well.”