SAM Nash was back on the score-sheet for the first time since the opening day of the season to help Southend Saxons see off Clifton 36-18 at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

The victory was Saxons’ second in succession to move them further clear of the National Two South relegation zone.

And Nash was delighted to play a prominent part in that happening.

“I've had a very frustrating season struggling with injuries and poor form and this was my first try since the opening game of the season so it was great to be back on the score sheet,” said the winger.

“I'm back to 100 per cent now and finally hitting some form so hopefully I'll add some value to the team in the last few weeks.”

The victory saw Southend surge up to 11th in the table, five points clear of the bottom three.

But Nash was keen to stress that the Saxons cannot afford to ease up.

“This win gave us a bit more breathing space but the job is far from done,” said Nash.

“The threat of relegation is always in the back of our minds but we are just focusing on each game as it comes and doing anything it takes to win.

“We know that we are too good to go down but we need to show it in the next couple of weeks.”

And Nash also feels Southend need to show their best form on a more consistent basis.

“It had been a tough season for us but we have pulled off some great victories against the top sides and our only problem is performing to our best each week,” said Nash.

“A lot of times we have been guilty of handing the game to the opposition but I have seen a change in the past couple of weeks.

“We are showing more hunger and desire and the results are showing that too.

“I think we have sent a message to all teams in the league that we mean business and I would be worried if I was them.”

Despite that, Clifton initially raced in to a 10-0 lead at the weekend with Samuel Harrison scoring a converted try and James Mackay kicking a penalty.

But Southend hit back with a penalty try in the 14th minute which also saw the visitors’ Paul Fincken yellow carded.

Saxons immediately began to get on top and tries from Michael Guess and Aston Bevans-Royston, plus a penalty from Tom Ashton made it 22-13 at half-time.

Three minutes after the break, Nash also touched down and Ashton added the conversion.

Clifton hit back with a try from Samuel Smee but with 51 minutes on the lock Southend winger Mark Billings scored the final try of the game before Ashton again added the extras to secure another much needed win for Southend.

Southend Saxons: Ashton, Nash, Gay, Vaughan, Billings, Burr, Branch, Guess, Bloomberg, Bevans-Royston, Fombo, Chesney, Ferrier, Kellard, Hudson Replacements: Fardell, Smith, Hudson, Cleare & Driver