Southend boss Paul Sturrock believes the goalless draw at Torquay has probably cost the Shrimpers their chance of automatic promotion.
Recalled forward Ryan Jarvis came closest to breaking the deadlock for the hosts, heading onto the post in the 30th minute. Southend replied with midfielder Ryan Hall bouncing a 25-yard free-kick off the crossbar four minutes later.
The fifth-placed Shrimpers - who play Barnet at home on Friday - remain six points behind Torquay with three games remaining.
Sturrock said: "We are disappointed we did not get the three points. It has probably cost us our automatic promotion chance but Torquay are a good, organised side and have done very well to get into the position they are in.
"I thought we had the better of the chances, certainly in the second half. Michael Timlin and Bilel Mohsni had good chances for us and if they had hit the target, it would have been a different story. Mohsni was a big influence for us and near the end of the game was unlucky not to get a penalty.
"I thought we got better as the game went on and it bodes well for the play-offs, but at the moment our target is to get nine points from the last three games and see where that takes us. I am looking forward to Barnet on Friday, especially if we play like we did in the second half."
