SOUTHEND winger Chris Bolton felt Old Albanians showed exactly why they top the National Two South table with a commanding 62-10 win against the Saxons at the weekend.

The defeat was Southend’s sixth in their last seven games and leaves them just two points above the relegation zone.

But Bolton – who has broken into the starting line-up in recent weeks – is now desperate to help Saxons bounce back in Saturday’s hugely important clash with Canterbury.

“Old Albanians are a really strong side and I think we found out on Saturday just why they are top of the table,” said the 18-year-old.

“I think they’ve only lost once all season and that shows how strong they are so it was always going to be really difficult there.

“It was obviously still very disappointing to lose but it’s really important we bounce back at the weekend now.

“It’s a really important game because Canterbury are just one point and one place below us in the league so it’s one we really need to be winning.”

Bolton will be aiming to help make that happen.

And, despite the bad results, he is enjoying his involvement with the first team.

“I must have had five or six games now and it’s been great,” said Bolton, who lives in Shenfield.

“I came to Southend at the start of the season because they’re the top team in Essex and I’m pleased to have got into the first team so soon.

“I just hope we can start to get a few more wins soon.”

Southend rarely looked like getting back on track at Old Albanians who ran home nine tries during a convincing display.

Saxons got on the score-sheet with an eighth minute penalty from Brad Burr before captain Mark Billings converted his own try six minutes from time.

The defeat leaves Southend sitting 11th in the standings.

Southend: Bailey, Day-White, Bevans-Royston, Twight, Needham, Morrison, Shields, Hudson, Hoadley, Ashton, Vaughan, Burr, Billings, Bolton.

Replacements: Strachan, Ferrier, Smith, Daly & Wood