SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown confessed to missing the moment which sent his side surging into the automatic promotion places with a 1-0 win against Luton Town at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers, who had Ben Coker sent off midway through the second half, secured a seventh successive win when Michael Timlin’s long range effort embarrassed Hatters goalkeeper Elliot Justham nine minutes from time.

But the effort came as a huge surprise for Brown.

“I didn’t see the shot go in if I’m honest,” said the 55-year-old.

“However, Dave Penney suddenly jumped on me, then Graham Coughan did the same and when the club doctor joined in I thought something must have happened.

“I certainly didn’t expect it because it was a harmless shot from Tims and I think everyone expected the keeper to gather it.

“I was looking back at Cian Bolger and Adam Barrett getting back into position to head the ball clear but to hear it had gone in was phenomenal and it puts us in a great position now.”

The Shrimpers now sit two points clear of fourth placed Bury with just one game to go, at Morecambe this weekend.

However, Brown believes his side are taking nothing for granted as they expect another stern test against the Shrimps on Saturday.

“We’ve got one more game to go and that was the message in the dressing room after the game,” said the Blues boss.

“Luke Prosser was shouting it, so was Barry Corr, Michael Timlin and Adam Barrett so everybody knows we need one more huge effort and that we have another difficult game still to come.”

But the Shrimpers will head into the last game of the season in fine spirits after digging deep to beat Luton.

And Brown was thrilled to have again come out on top.

“We didn’t serve up a classic but we served up that grit and determination to get the win,” said Brown.

“The players also put their bodies on the line in the face of adversity after a red card we felt was a little bit harsh.”

However, Brown also felt Coker’s harsh red card, which came after a foul on Hatters substitute Shaun Whalley in the 67th minute, could actually have helped Southend win the game.

“I think Luton smelt blood after the red card and were going for it which probably is what won us the game in the end,” said Brown.

“Another 1-0 win shows what hard work gets you and this run of clean sheets we’re on is just phenomenal.

"But we haven’t achieved anything yet and we need to make sure we get another good result on Saturday now.”