Line-ups
Burley made just the one switch with a big win required, opting for the creativity of Belmadi over the industry of Jhon Viafara.
At the back Saints started very nervously with Southend looking the more likely to score. So it proved with a goal of real quality from Barrett with a sweet left foot volley that gave Bialkowski little chance.
Despite selecting a settled back four, it took Kenwyne Jones' goal to calm the nerves and restrict Southend to isolated counter attacks, with Bale pushing forward at every opportunity. Although Lundekvam went off with a nasty looking ankle injury, Pele settled in to good effect as Saints were rarely troubled in the second half.
In midfield an out-of-sorts Belmadi upset the balance with Saints struggling to get our passing game going. Burley wisely switched Belmadi and Surman which started to open up gaps in the Southend defence.
Up front, Best and Jones took their opportunity to hold onto their places with two goals each in a muscular display of Championship centre forward play. Both proved a real handful and with a little more luck either might have bagged a hat-trick.
On the Cross verdict
What a season it has been! We've scrapped into the play-offs, when at times we've looked like doing everything from winning the league to finishing in the bottom half.
With other results twisting and turning around us, Preston were the ones to watch in the end, with their victory over Birmingham meaning Saints had to win and thankfully we did.
It wouldn't be Saints if we didn't put ourselves through it. Southend's early goal took the sting out of the early atmosphere, as many wondered if Saints were going to blow it on this of all days, having done so much hard work to get into sixth place.
As it was, it took Gareth Bale to get Saints playing at the right tempo, lifting the side with some quality runs down the left and even better delivery from his magical left foot. His cross to setup Kenwyne Jones' first header goal was simply perfection and after Saints had drawn level it felt like it was going to be our day.
Southend played their part with some quality passing moves and no little individual talent, but Saints were not to be denied dominating after going in front roared on by some great support from both sets of fans.
The Southend fans deserve huge credit. They turned a rather unnecessary 'Going Down' chant around by joining in and showing how mutual respect between sets of fans can make a unique and wonderful atmosphere.
Sat in the Itchen it was sometimes difficult to keep up with the football, with the distraction of watching Santa Claus and Spongebob going a conga.
With the game effectively won at 3-1 the atmosphere built and built with both sets of supporters exchanging songs and mutual applause come the end, with a final rendition of 'Alan Ball, Alan Ball' leaving a lump in the throat.
So, onto the play-offs and Derby. Saints have the ability to beat Derby, but will have to get the tactics right against the nous of Billy Davies. We can only hope that with three wins in a row, we have the momentum to carry us through.
St Mary's will of course be another sell out and it will be vital we start at a high tempo and take our chances and don't allow Derby to grind us down.
The rollercoaster ride continues!
Man of the match: Harsh perhaps on two goal heroes Best and Jones, but Gareth Bale turned the game for Saints, looking a player refreshed after his spell out through injury. His quality from crosses and set pieces was simply different class. Southend struggled to handle his pace and dribbling ability. What a player, shame about the free kick!
Cameo of the day: Only given the last five minutes, but Gregorz Rasiak played like a man with a point to prove, trying a dipping volley from 25 yards and working himself a copule more half chances around the box. Must have been sat on the bench desperate to come on and be the hero once again.
Burley made just the one switch with a big win required, opting for the creativity of Belmadi over the industry of Jhon Viafara.
At the back Saints started very nervously with Southend looking the more likely to score. So it proved with a goal of real quality from Barrett with a sweet left foot volley that gave Bialkowski little chance.
Despite selecting a settled back four, it took Kenwyne Jones' goal to calm the nerves and restrict Southend to isolated counter attacks, with Bale pushing forward at every opportunity. Although Lundekvam went off with a nasty looking ankle injury, Pele settled in to good effect as Saints were rarely troubled in the second half.
In midfield an out-of-sorts Belmadi upset the balance with Saints struggling to get our passing game going. Burley wisely switched Belmadi and Surman which started to open up gaps in the Southend defence.
Up front, Best and Jones took their opportunity to hold onto their places with two goals each in a muscular display of Championship centre forward play. Both proved a real handful and with a little more luck either might have bagged a hat-trick.
On the Cross verdict
What a season it has been! We've scrapped into the play-offs, when at times we've looked like doing everything from winning the league to finishing in the bottom half.
With other results twisting and turning around us, Preston were the ones to watch in the end, with their victory over Birmingham meaning Saints had to win and thankfully we did.
It wouldn't be Saints if we didn't put ourselves through it. Southend's early goal took the sting out of the early atmosphere, as many wondered if Saints were going to blow it on this of all days, having done so much hard work to get into sixth place.
As it was, it took Gareth Bale to get Saints playing at the right tempo, lifting the side with some quality runs down the left and even better delivery from his magical left foot. His cross to setup Kenwyne Jones' first header goal was simply perfection and after Saints had drawn level it felt like it was going to be our day.
Southend played their part with some quality passing moves and no little individual talent, but Saints were not to be denied dominating after going in front roared on by some great support from both sets of fans.
The Southend fans deserve huge credit. They turned a rather unnecessary 'Going Down' chant around by joining in and showing how mutual respect between sets of fans can make a unique and wonderful atmosphere.
Sat in the Itchen it was sometimes difficult to keep up with the football, with the distraction of watching Santa Claus and Spongebob going a conga.
With the game effectively won at 3-1 the atmosphere built and built with both sets of supporters exchanging songs and mutual applause come the end, with a final rendition of 'Alan Ball, Alan Ball' leaving a lump in the throat.
So, onto the play-offs and Derby. Saints have the ability to beat Derby, but will have to get the tactics right against the nous of Billy Davies. We can only hope that with three wins in a row, we have the momentum to carry us through.
St Mary's will of course be another sell out and it will be vital we start at a high tempo and take our chances and don't allow Derby to grind us down.
The rollercoaster ride continues!
Man of the match: Harsh perhaps on two goal heroes Best and Jones, but Gareth Bale turned the game for Saints, looking a player refreshed after his spell out through injury. His quality from crosses and set pieces was simply different class. Southend struggled to handle his pace and dribbling ability. What a player, shame about the free kick!
Cameo of the day: Only given the last five minutes, but Gregorz Rasiak played like a man with a point to prove, trying a dipping volley from 25 yards and working himself a copule more half chances around the box. Must have been sat on the bench desperate to come on and be the hero once again.