Shaun Goater's Southend moved another step closer to a second successive promotion with a 2-1 win over Blackpool on Saturday.

A late Luke Guttridge strike sealed the win which pushed the Shrimpers eight points clear of Brentford and Huddersfield at the top of League One with just five matches remaining.

The veteran Bermudian had the chance to open the scoring after rounding the Blackpool goalkeeper but his early shot was intercepted by a recovering defender before the ball reached the empty net.

In front of more than 8,000 fans, the visitors then took a surprise lead through Gareth Williams. But Southend's star striker Freddy Eastwood tied things up on the hour mark and, with Goater by now replaced by Wayne Gray, Guttridge saved the day in the 86th minute.

"It was an unbelievable result for us," said manager Steve Tilson. "Throughout the season the team has been united and stuck together. It has been a real team effort from everyone."Stateside, meanwhile, Khano Smith remained sidelined following knee surgery as New England Revolution forced a 0-0 draw with the newly-named New York Red Bulls in front of more than 35,000 fans at Giants Stadium.

In the Major Indoor Soccer League, Philadelphia KiXX, who are having a wretched season, recorded a rare victory over the Baltimore Blast, with John Barry Nusum scoring two and assisting in two more during an 8-2 victory in the penultimate game of the regular season.

The season was due to wrap up late last night as the KiXX took on Chicago, who have already secured the final of four play-off places.

David Bascome's Blast will compete in the post-season as the veteran Bermudian looks to secure a second championship while Nusum's KiXX finished fifth out of six.