Freddie Sears hailed Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest as “a special game” for him after netting Town’s 83rd minute winner to take the Blues to within a whisker of the play-offs.

“It was a special game,” the striker said. “We went one up and the fans were brilliant but then we conceded a sloppy goal. To score the winner so late on was really special.

“There is a lot at stake and Forest are a good side and they got on top a bit in the second half.

“The gaffer made a couple of changes and we were able to come back and we got what we deserved in the end.”

Sears has now scored nine times since signing from Colchester for a £100,000 fee in January, adding to the 14 goals he netted for the U’s during the first half of the season.

The 25-year-old former West Ham trainee and Daryl Murphy, who has now netted 25 times this season, have quickly developed a fruitful partnership.

“Me and Murph have clicked straight away,” he added. “I realised from our first game together we have a good understanding and it has come on leaps and bounds since then.

“I’m really enjoying playing with him and I think he is enjoying it too and we are getting the goals.”

Portman Road was taking part in a minute’s applause as a tribute to 21-year-old supporter Chris Reynolds who died last week when Murphy scored the Blues’ first goal.

“I saw on Twitter about a lad passing away and they were going to have the minute’s applause,” Sears continued.

“As players you try not to focus on that but the players wish the family well and they have our condolences.

“Murph has finished the goal really well. We will take goals at any time but it was a fitting tribute to the lad and it was one for the family.”

Regarding next week’s final game of the season at Blackburn, the striker is targeting a win, although a point will be enough to ensure a place in the top six, while the Blues could even make it if they lose as long as two of the results involving Derby, Brentford and Wolves go in their favour.

“There are four teams fighting for that last play-off place,” he said. “We have one foot in the play off places but we need to get both in there.

“It will be tough at Blackburn but we need to go there and win. We are confident, our form is good and we are capable.

“If we just go there for a draw anything could happen but our best form of defence is attack.

“It is in our hands and even though we have the better goal difference [than Brentford and Wolves] we want to win and make sure we get over the line.”

As for the possibility of an East Anglian derby at some stage in the play-offs, he said: “I have just moved house and my next door neighbour is a Norwich fan so there has been a bit of banter between us.

“I played in the derby game up there and I know how much it means to people here. I have played in West Ham-Millwall derby games which are pretty intense but I know how big Ipswich-Norwich is.

“It would be great for both teams if we met in the play-offs, so I would look forward to that.

“It would be nice to shut my neighbour up. He has had the bragging rights for a while, so I would love to get one over on them.

“He has wished us well, and I wish them well but we need to get into the play-offs first.”

Overall, he says he’s thoroughly enjoying life at Portman Road: “I’m loving it here. Playing in front of 25,000 people is what I have wanted for a couple of years.

“No disrespect to Colchester, who are playing in front of 4,000-5,000, but this is what I was made for and I’m loving it. I’m totally buzzing and enjoying my football.

“The fans have taken to me so well and I love the fans here, they are great and it really means a lot to me that they have taken to me.”

Photo: Action Images

MHS added 21:27 - Apr 27 This boys work rate is second to none. Constantly plays on the shoulder of defenders, and packs a cracking finish as well. Hes taken the pressure off Murphs and given us something different - as well as softening the blow of losing mcgoldrick for the 2nd half of the season. Praying we keep him next season, with mcgoldrick fit our attacking roster looks very very strong. If we achieve the unlikely and get promoted this season - I get the feeling Sears will play a big part in doing so

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chorltonskylineblue added 21:57 - Apr 27 Bit surprised some fans think we're home and hosed re. the play-offs. I'm with DurhamTownFan. If we lose it's likely that Brentford will overtake us. Then we're reliant on Derby slipping up, which doesn't look likely given they are at home to Wigan. Unless....Rotherham lose tomorrow meaning Wigan can still catch them by beating Derby and hoping Millwall lose or draw their last game.

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chorltonskylineblue added 22:06 - Apr 27 Doh! Brentford are playing Wigan (and Derby play Reading). Same difference in terms of the Rotherham result tomorrow night though. Would give Reading a boost too.
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