PROP forward Aston Bevans Royston looks set to make his Southend debut against Bishop’s Stortford in National Two South tomorrow.

The 24-year-old has now completed a switch from local rivals Thurrock.

And he cannot wait to get started with the Seasiders.

“I’m looking forward to the game and testing myself at this level,” said Bevans Royston.

“I’m expecting National Two South to be a lot more physical with a faster tempo but seeing the standard of the players in training I think that’s a positive for this team.

“I'm looking to learn everything I can from experienced players such as Michael Guess and build my game.

“It's a new challenge for me and I'm really excited and working hard towards my debut for the first team.”

Southend have slipped down to ninth in the National Two South standings after suffering four successive defeats.

But sixth placed Bishop’s Stortford will also be tough opponents at Warners Bridge this weekend.

They have won their last four games and have shocked Seasiders centre Sam Nash with their fine form.

“Bishop’s Stortford have been the surprise package this season and have picked up a few big wins,” said Nash.

“But I’m confident with the team we have and, playing at home, we should be able to get back to winning ways.”

For that to happen, Southend must also finally beat the wet weather having been hit by a series of postponements in recent weeks.

The Seasiders have played just once in the last month but, despite being disappointed, Nash feels the enforced break has actually helped the team.

“The bad weather and the matches being called off has been very frustrating, especially when we have done all the mental and physical preparation, but it has just made the team even more hungry for a game,” said Nash.

“The games being postponed can also be seen as a blessing as we are well rested now and we’re ready to finish what has already been a long season with a bang.”

Southend will hope to see the benefits of that break this weekend.

And Nash also feels the team have not been affected by their run of defeats “It was disappointing to lose those four games but we can draw confidence from the fact that these teams are at the top of the table and we should’ve won three of them,” said Nash.

“We are 90 per cent there and once we become more consistent we can beat anyone in this league and hopefully we can show that on Saturday.”