Substitute Anthony Grant headed home the winner for the Shrimpers with two minutes of normal time remaining, after Dougie Freedman had grabbed his second goal of the game to make it 3-3.

Southend had earlier raced into a two goal lead courtesy of Freedman and a Baudet own goal, but Crewe came roaring back with goals from Michael O'Connor, Tom Pope and Calvin Zola.

A relieved Tilson said: "It was okay when we were 2-0 up but they gave me kittens after that. I think that is why we haven't had a 0-0 for 70-odd games now, but it was a great game to watch and I would take a 4-3 victory over a 1-0 every week.

"Crewe have totally changed the way they play. The grass has grown long and they now like to pump the ball forward which is against all their old principles.

"They were a handful so it was difficult but our lads showed a lot of spirit and to score four goals away from home is a fantastic achievement."