FIT-AGAIN Marcus Bloomberg is determined to lift Southend Saxons up the National Two South standings – starting with victory at Taunton tomorrow.

The 29-year-old, who plays as a hooker, returned from a seven month injury lay-off against Canterbury last weekend.

But he is now keen to continue his comeback with a more successful encounter on Saturday.

“It was seven very long months out injured and I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back so it was very good to finally get back out there with the boys,” said Bloomberg.

“It was just a shame we didn’t get the result we all wanted but hopefully we will this weekend.”

Bloomberg is keen to play a key part in a potential recovery.

And he is delighted to be able to do so pain free after first suffering a neck injury at the start of the 2015.

“I had a prolapsed disk in my upper spine and I had the injury since January last year,” said Bloomberg.

“But, as happy as I was to have it fixed, I didn't realise I would be out for as long as seven months.

“However due to the nature of my position I had to go through every procedure to make sure I was fit to play again and it’s feeling as good as new which is great.”

Bloomberg will therefore be fit to face Taunton tomorrow.

And he is desperate to halt a run of five successive defeats for Southend which has seen them slip to just one place and two points above the relegation zone. “It’s so important we end this bad run we’re on,” said Bloomberg.

“We had a really good start to the season but the last few games haven't gone too well.

“It's looking like we are fighting a relegation battle again but we only have ourselves to blame.

“We are the only ones who can get ourselves out of it but I do believe there’s a lot more to come from this team.”

Southend will now be aiming to show that tomorrow.

But they will in for another tough test against Taunton, who are currently fourth in the standings.

“Taunton are a good simple direct team but they have a big pack so it's going to be tough,” said Bloomberg.

“But it’s just the type of game I like as it’s a real man test!

“I have also had some good tries against Taunton over the last few seasons so it would be nice to get another one at the weekend.

“We’re looking to get back to winning ways and there would be no better time to do it than in a game where everyone is writing you off.”