Southend's Vaughan hoping recent results will count for very little against Westcliff

Southend make the short trip to the Gables on the back of five successive defeats while Westcliff have won four of their last six games.

But Vaughan believes that will count for very little when the two teams go head to head in National Three London & SE.

“I don’t think it really means much,” said Vaughan on the two teams’ recent form.

“I think it will come down to who wants it more on the day. Sometimes in derby games all structures and patterns go out the window and it just turns into a battle.

“We will see on the day how it goes but we are looking forward to it.”

Vaughan - who was with Westcliff for 10 years in his youth - helped Southend see off his former side 17-15 at Warners Bridge in September in a scrappy encounter.

And Vaughan believes the game could follow a similar pattern this weekend.

“It was a very scrappy game,” said Vaughan.

“There wasn’t any good rugby being played if I’m honest but it was a very tight game which made for an interesting finish.

“I’m sure Saturday will be very similar to last time and there will be a few nerves flying about which usually leads to people making mistakes.

“I’m expecting it to be very physical but it will be a good game to play in.”

Southend will also be hoping the derby clash can get their season back on track.

Saxons, who were relegated from National Two South last season, head into the game without a win since seeing off Guernsey at the end of October.

And Vaughan believes the club’s lengthy injury list has been to blame for their poor form.

“The run we’re on has mainly been down to the amount of injuries we have had in my opinion,”said the former King John School pupil.

“The team changes week to week so it’s so hard to get any consistency.

“But we are slowly getting a few players back so hopefully things will start to change and we will notice a difference.”

>Saturday’s game kicks off at 2pm and is free to watch.