SPIRIT OF THE SHRIMPES SHINES AGAIN IN THRILLER

BUT for qualities such as spirit, determination and togetherness, there may not have even been a Southend United as we know it in existence today.

- Jon Couch

On the brink of collapse just two summers ago, it was the impassioned actions of the supporters which kept this famous club alive and offered hope for the future under a fresh ownership model.

It was dubbed the 'Spirit of Southend', and if you ever needed to understand the strength of owning such a weapon in the armoury then you need only ask Forest Green Rovers.

Having come from behind themselves to lead this play-off semi-final deep into extra-time, Steve Cotterill's side had the leg-weary Shrimpers on the ropes and were surely all set to book their place in a Wembley final and take another giant leap towards an immediate EFL return.

But just as the home celebrations were about to begin, that Southend spirit came to the fore once again when substitute Jack Bridge swept home from 15 yards to hand his side a lifeline and take this gripping tie to penalties.

Joy quickly turned to despair when Josh Walker missed from the spot but after Tom Knowles hit the crossbar and Liam Sercombe skied his spot kick into the stands, it was left to fans' favourite Gus Scott-Morriss to fire home the winning penalty and keep the fairytale alive.

"This team just never gives in," said assistant boss Darren Currie, no stranger to the big occasion after 650 career appearances as a player: "As long as there is a minute on the clock, we'll keep going.

"With the resilience we've shown over the back end of the season and then to keep coming back the last few games, I couldn't be prouder of them.

"We've had a difficult time over three and a half years but there's been steady progress and next Sunday will be a nice reward for everyone.