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Dons inched closer to safety as Jack Midson’s penalty wrecked the hopes of a club he used to play for on Saturday.

The spot-kick just before the hour left a lot desired as it squirmed under the body of the keeper to earn a 1-0 win at Roots Hall, but AFC will almost certainly be over the safety line on Good Friday if they beat Newport.

This was a first win in four and a vital one with both Northampton and Torquay at the bottom collecting maximum points, and one owing much to a stalwart defence and an AFC side showing plenty of heart.

Boss Neal Ardley said: “The boys gave absolutely everything. You’re never going to come here and outplay Southend.

“They’ve got good players, and if they get in the play-offs they’ll be one of the stronger sides there.

“We knew we had to work our socks off, and do all the League Two stuff well. There were bodies on the line in this game."