Southend secured the final National League play-off spot with a goalless draw at Gateshead.
The Essex club knew Gateshead would leapfrog them into seventh with a win, but the result means the Shrimpers now travel to Rochdale for a play-off eliminator on May 15.
Southend’s Ben Goodliffe arguably came the closest of anyone to scoring in the first half when presented with a free header, but could not direct it past Gateshead goalkeeper George Shelvey.
Gateshead had lost three in a row coming into this game, while Southend had won two in a row, scoring seven and conceding none.
