CHRIS Vaughan feels Southend Saxons are under added pressure to perform in tomorrow’s local derby with Westcliff.

Vaughan – who was with Westcliff for 10 years during his youth – will face his former side at Warners Bridge this weekend.

But the centre is keen to not add extra significance to the eagerly anticipated clash which will be watched by a bumper crowd.

“We will approach Saturday as just another game but of course there will be some added pressure on us to win it,” said Vaughan.

“I’m excited about the game and I’m looking forward to it.

“But you never want to lose against your local rivals.”

More than 500 fans are expected to attend the clash which sees the two clubs go head to head in a league game for the very first time.

However, facing Westcliff will be nothing new for Vaughan as he again comes up against a number of his former team-mates.

“I’ve played against Westcliff a few times now in Essex Cup matches over the years so I’m used to it by now,” said Vaughan.

“Saying that though it’s always a bit strange playing against so many familiar faces, especially as I was with them for about 10 years before I made the move here.”

Southend find themselves in National Three London & SE this term after being relegated from National Two South last season.

But their campaign got off to a disappointing start when they were beaten 45-0 at Tonbridge Juddian last weekend.

And Vaughan was left frustrated by the convincing defeat on the opening day.

“The weekend was very disappointing,” said the former King John School pupil.

“We had a terrible pre season due to so many injuries and people away.

“That meant we haven’t had any consistency in our team.

“With that in mind I wasn’t expecting Saturday to be perfect.

“But I certainly didn’t think it would be as bad as that.”

Southend will now be looking to bounce back against Westcliff tomorrow.

And Vaughan is still confident of enjoying a successful season.

“Our main hope this season is to bounce straight back up but we know that won’t be easy,” said Vaughan.

“It’s a tough league but if we don’t end up in the top three then I think we will have let ourselves down.”

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 4pm with 200 guests attending a pre-match meal.

Anyone with a membership card from any local sporting club can get tickets for the game for just £5 but adults without a card will be charged £10.

Children aged under the age of 16 can watch the game for free.