SCRUM-HALF Ricki Gould is seeking more success for Southend Saxons in their latest ‘cup final’ against Sutton & Epsom at Warners Bridge this weekend.

Southend were staring relegation in the face after a 10 point deduction for failing to control their supporters.

But four wins in their last five games has taken the Saxons to within two points of safety.

And Gould, who scored a try in Southend’s win at Dorking last time out, is now looking to continue the recent revival in yet another crucial clash.

“We’re taking it week by week to be honest and every single game is a cup final for us at the moment,” said Gould.

“When you look at the league table we’ve actually won as many games as the teams in mid-table.

“But obviously the 10 point deduction we suffered means we’re lower down the league and that’s the hole we’re still trying to climb out of at the moment.”

Southend’s good run of results have seen them move up to 12th in the National Three London & SE standings.

But Gould is expecting a tricky clash against a Sutton side who are currently ninth in the standings after suffering two successive defeats.

“I’m expecting Saturday to be another tough game,” said the former Seevic College student.

“Sutton lost at home to Hertford in their last game so I’m sure they will be fired up and looking to bounce back against us this week.

“We lost at their place earlier on in the season so we know they’re a good side.

“But we’re going into this game in good shape and full of confidence as well after the good results we’ve had in the last few weeks.”

Southend are now also starting to show far more resilience.

And Gould was delighted to help Saxons fight back against Dorking to win their last fixture a fortnight ago.

“It was a scrappy old affair against Dorking,” said Gould.

“We were behind for most of the game but showed great character to come back and get the win at the end of the game.

“For myself personally I was pleased to get the try but the most important thing was the victory because every point is crucial right now.

“We’ve had a week off since then and we’re looking to get back on it tomorrow.

“We want to carry on this momentum and get another win to hopefully help us close the gap on the teams just above us in the table.”

Southend have no new injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s game and first team coach Danny Cleare is expecting to select a squad similar to the one against Dorking.