James Beattie feels the ‘job is almost done’ although Stanley won’t be resting on their laurels in the final two games of the season.

The Reds are four points off the bottom two but, with teams below them having to play each other, Stanley are close to survival.

This was despite their 1-0 loss to promotion-chasing Southend where Stanley pushed the hosts all the way but Barry Corr’s 64th minute goal separated the sides.

“I thought we did brilliantly,” said Beattie. “We did well in the first half and the crowd were getting frustrated.

“Phil (Brown) was trying to play football but the pitch wasn’t conducive to that and the sun was beating down.

“I know we lost but I cannot fault the lads effort or commitment all season.

“I think we have been in every game this season, except Newport on the opening day, whether we have won, lost or drawn.

“That’s credit to the boys and their rise especially after four points in the opening 12 games.

“I think the job is almost done although we won’ t take anything for granted and we will be working hard as we want to get the results the boys deserve in the final two games of the season.”