NICKY Bailey insists Blues are buzzing at making sure of their place in the League One play-offs.

The in-form Shrimpers secured a top six finish with a 2-1 triumph at Carlisle United on Saturday.

And Bailey insists his side could not be in a better frame of mind ahead of the play-offs.

"It's great news that we've finally done it," said the midfielder, who looks certain to be named the club's player of the year.

"It's a brilliant achievement and we're just buzzing about it at the moment.

"The games can't come quickly enough right now and we're looking forward to our remaining games and then the play-offs.

"We couldn't be anymore confident but you can't help and wonder what could have been if we had beaten Northampton last week instead of drawing 1-1.

"We would be two points behind second place instead of four and it would all be very close, but getting into the play-offs is still brilliant."

Blues again proved their promotion credentials with a fine performance at Brunton Park.

The victory fired out another warning to their rivals and left Bailey delighted.

"Our first half performance was brilliant," he said.

"We played some of the best stuff we have all season which was great, especially when you consider just how awful the pitch was.

"It was always going to be a hard game but winning at Carlisle is superb and we don't fear anyone at this level now."

Bailey again played a huge part in the win, but his tough tackling in the centre of the park saw him singled out for abuse from the home supporters and players.

They were also angered by his role in David Raven's red card as the defender was dismissed for a hard tackle on the midfielder.

But Bailey believes it was the right decision.

"He did catch me and I was in a lot of pain," said the 23-year-old.

"I slid in to try and get the ball but I was being careful because I had already been booked and I didn't want to get sent off.

"He didn't go in two-footed, it was just the one leg but he didn't get near the ball and it looks even worse than I remembered when you see it again on television so it was the right decision.

"The red card played a big part in the win too."