KRIS Chesney wants Southend Saxons to start 2016 by getting back to winning ways when they host Redruth at Warners Bridge this Sunday.

Saxons have slipped to 10th in the National Two South standings after losing four of their last five games.

But Chesney believes Southend’s performances have been better their recent results suggest.

“We’ve had a bit of a blip lately but on the whole I don’t think we’ve been playing that badly,” said the former Saracens star.

“Bishop’s Stortford just don’t lose at home at the moment and if we had played the way we did there against the other 14 teams in the league then we probably would’ve won.

“The week before we played Cambridge who are going to get promoted so we’ve had two very hard games.

“But we’ve been able to recharge a bit over Christmas and now we’re ready to go again this weekend.”

However, Redruth will also provide Southend with a stern test on Sunday.

The Cornwall club are currently fifth in the table.

And Chesney is certain they will be fired up to win at Warners Bridge.

“Redruth are spending five or six hours on a coach to get here and will be wanting to make that count for something,” said Chesney.

“They’re having a good season and will probably only need one more win to guarantee staying up.

“After that they can push on and have a real go so we’re certainly expecting a difficult game and for them to be very dogged.”

But Chesney is desperate for Southend to get back to winning ways.

And he believes they are now under added pressure to perform.

“It’s not just about us anymore because so many others are playing a part,” stressed Chesney.

“We have a lot of sponsors we don’t want to let down and we also have very good coverage in the Echo so we don’t want to be embarrassed.

“But if we play with the same attitude, desire and show the same willingness to attack with the ball then I think we’ll win against Redruth to get the new year off to a great start.”

Southend could have back rows Alan Barker and Dan Legge available again this weekend but winger Billy Driver is expected to miss out.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 2pm.