SOUTHEND United moved closer to claiming their place in the play-offs after picking up a point from what proved to be a game o contrasting halves on Saturday.

The vast majority of a larger than expected crowd of more than 9,000 at Roots Hall would have been expecting Blues to continue the momentum they have generated in the last few weeks to work their way into the race for promotion.

But Northampton had other ideas and were the stronger of the two sides during the opening 45 minutes which deservedly saw them take the lead.

The goal was against disappointing from Southend's perspective as they again conceded from a soft set piece as Colin Larkin was left completely unmarked to head home Ryan Gilligan's right wing corner.

Time and time again this has happened to the Shrimpers this season and it therefore seems strange that nobody has been put on the posts to help reduce the risk of letting in any more efforts from dead ball situations.

In the end it did not prove costly at the weekend as Steve Tilson's team were back on song after the break and did not take long to get back level.

Lee Barnard was again the man to work his way onto the score-sheet and his arrival during the January transfer window has played a massive part in Southend's surge up the table.

His predatory instincts now look like being rewarded with a place in the place-offs but nothing can be taken for granted as Walsall will also have their sights on a top six finish. They are now the only club who can deny Blues during the closing stages and on paper their run in does not look the toughest.

Three of the Saddlers' last four games are at home as Bristol Rovers, Bournemouth and Hartlepool all head to the Bescott Stadium.

Their remaining fixture is Huddersfield away but Southend will hope to wrap up their own place as quickly as they can.

They face long and tough trips to Carlisle and Tranmere before hosting already relegated Port Vale on the last day of the season.

And, although two points were dropped at the weekend, Blues still seem odds on to extend their season which will be a magnificent achievement when you take in to account their dismal start and a torrid Christmas period.