SAM FOMBO insists Southend Saxons will not give up their National Two South status without a fight.

The second from bottom Saxons are now nine points from safety with just four games left to go.

But Fombo does not want Southend to give up hope.

And he is desperate for them to get back to winning ways against Bury St Edmunds at Warners Bridge this weekend.

“It's pretty crucial to get the win tomorrow,” said Fombo.

“We are not relegated just yet and we have got a slim chance to pull out of it still.

“The teams around us have got a pretty tough run until the end of the season and Dorking and Worthing still have to play each other.

“We have to keep fighting and we have to get the win tomorrow too.”

Southend won at Bury St Edmunds 23-16 at the start of December but have been beaten 11 times in 13 outings since then.

Bury now sit 10th in the standings and have won three of their last five games which Fombo believes will make them tough opponents this weekend.

“I think this game will be a tight one,” said the back row.

“We were coming back to form the last we played them and we saw the game quite comfortably.

“Judging by our form now it will be tough but I’m sure we will come out the other end with a win because as a team want to make up for our performance last weekend.”

Southend were seen off 39-26 by relegation rivals Dorking last time out but will be without influential back row Harry Hudson tomorrow.

Kris Chesney is also doubtful and Fombo believes the ongoing injury list has played a huge part in Saxons’ struggles this season.

“The first half of the season wasn't too bad and we were mid table before the injuries hit,” said Fombo.

“After that it got tough and we went on a pretty bad run but I’m still confident of pulling off the great escape.”