Southend clinched the last National League play-off position after drawing 0-0 against Gateshead.
The Essex team was aware that a victory for Gateshead would push them down to 7th place. However, the draw means that Southend will now face Rochdale in the play-off eliminator on May 15.
Ben Goodliffe from Southend had a great opportunity to score in the first half with a free header but was unable to beat Gateshead goalkeeper George Shelvey.
Gateshead had suffered three consecutive defeats leading up to this match, whereas Southend had won their previous two games, scoring seven goals and conceding none.