SOUTHEND United’s Ryan Leonard was full of smiles after the Shrimpers’ vital 1-0 victory at Exeter City on Saturday.

Blues’ fifth win in succession kept them in the hunt for automatic promotion.

And the Plymouth born 22-year-old was also delighted to skipper the side and see off one of his long term Devon rivals.

“The main thing that mattered was getting the win but it was massive for me to be captain and it was a real honour too,” said Leonard.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting it and it was obviously very nice for me to get the win here too.

“I don’t think they really know who I am so I didn’t get much stick and the only stick I did get was because of my barnet not because of Plymouth.”

Blues’ latest triumph, which came courtesy of a last gasp goal from Michael Timlin, means they are now just three points below Wycombe Wanderers with a game in hand which they play at fourth placed Bury on Tuesday night.

But Leonard feels it is the Chairboys who remain in pole position to secure the final automatic promotion position.

“For me Wycombe are the favourites for third and they will be whatever the result is on Tuesday night,” said Leonard.

“It’s obviously a huge game on Tuesday and we will go there trying to get another win but we’re not talking about the play-offs at all because that’s not our aim.

“We want top three but all we can do is keep winning our matches and see where that takes us.”

Blues have been in fine form in recent weeks.

And Leonard felt it was another hugely important victory at St. James Park on Saturday.

“It was a massive win for us and I think it showed the belief we have in the camp now too,” said the former Plymouth Argyle man.

“In the first half Exeter played really well but we’ve won a lot of games ugly lately and we’ve done that again now which you need to do if you’re going to do well.

“We also believe in each other and I think that helped too.”

Leonard lined up at right-back against the Grecians but was perfectly happy to fill in for the injured John White.

“It was different but I enjoyed it,” said Leonard.

“I’m happy to play anywhere so I’m not too worried where I play and hopefully I can be in the team for the game tomorrow too.”