SOUTHEND Saxons face a crunch clash against fellow strugglers Towcestrians tomorrow.

Southend go into the game at Warners Bridge sitting second from bottom in the London & SE Premier Division standings with Towcestrians the only team below them.

But Saxons head coach Josh Ward insists the side are relishing the crucial clash.

“Of course it’s a pretty big game but it’s one we’re looking forward to,” said Ward.

“We’ve told the group to embrace it and that we have nothing to fear.

“It’s not the challenge we would have wanted to be facing but we’re excited by it.

“We still have 35 points to play for and every week we will be going out looking to get the five points.

“But we won’t be looking too far ahead because if we lose on Saturday we would find ourselves in an even trickier position.

“So all we are thinking about is this game with Towcestrians and making sure we get the win.”

Southend have triumphed in four of their 19 games this season and are currently 15 points behind Shelford who sit just above the relegation zone.

Ward is keen to close that gap and has seen the side prepare slightly differently for their latest clash.

“We’ve had a bit of a break and we’ve varied things up a bit training wise,” said Ward.

“The group went for a spinning class at David Lloyd and then all went for a meal afterwards which is part of the culture we’re trying to implement here.

“A change of environment can help at times and we’re looking forward to getting back out there, especially at home where hopefully there will be a big crowd cheering us on.”

And those in attendance will be able to see influential centre Chris Vaughan back in action.

“It’s great to have Chris back from a back injury as he’s a real figurehead for us,” said Ward.

“Seth Robinson should be available at hooker again too but we’re still waiting on Todd Bailey.”

However, Southend will definitely be missing number eight Chris Shields who is missing with a dislocated finger.