Southend 0 Blackpool 3 Scorers: Wellens,Simpson, Walker POOL crushed play-off rivals Southend in ahuge win that has almost cemented Pool's place in the playoffs as well as increasing their chances of automatic promotion a huge boost.

The win was made even more sweet after Southend manager David Webb had publically criticised Pool's promotion credentials earlier in the season.

Also pleasing was for once, Pool didn't have to rely on the 37-goal partnership of Brett Ormerod and John Murphy to supply the goals.

Instead, midfielders Richard Wellens, Paul Simpson and on-loan striker Richard Walkers were the scorers at Roots Hall.

An impressive 500-strong army of supporters travelled to Roots Hall as Pool welcomed back midfielder Richard Wellens who replaced Steve Bushell.

Just 12 minutes into the game Wellens put Pool ahead.

It was a fantastic goal that started with a Manchester United-style step over by Wellens followed by a neat one-two between Simpson and Murphy and finally a calm finish in off the post by Wellens.

The goal arguably came against the run of play, with Southend having the better of the opening encounters. And the home side continued to dominate proceedings after the goal and might have equalised if it not for two great saves from keeper Phil Barnes.

Pool had the referee to thank for still being ahead when the two sides went in for half time as Southend had three penalty appeals turned down, the last of which seemed seemed very harsh on the Shrimpers.

But then John Murphy came close to doubling the Seasiders lead but could quite keep is effort under the bar. Midweek goal hero Richard Wellens was pulled off at half-time together with Brett Ormerod to be replaced by Steve Bushell and Richard Walker.

Pool started the second half much more convincingly and within 15 minutes of the restart, Paul Simpson put his side 2-0 up. The winger sprinted towards goal and drilled home after being played through all alone by Lee Collins.

Pool soon added another after a corner by Tommy Jaszczun was played short to Simpson who planted the ball into the danger area.

Richard Walker rose above the rest to loop a header into the net for his second goal in as many games.

After that, there was only one winner and an extension to Pool's lead looked more likely than a late Southend comeback.

Team: Barnes, Jaszczun, Coid, Reid, Shittu, Simpson, Wellens (Bushell 45), Collins, Milligan, Ormerod (Walker 50), Murphy.