HEAD coach Danny Cleare insists it is still possible for Southend Saxons to avoid relegation this season despite the club being docked 10 points by the RFU.

Saxons are now rooted in the relegation zone of the National Three London & SE after being hit by an RFU charge - pending an appeal - following an incident involving a fan and a touch-judge in their 18-16 win against Colchester at Warners Bridge in October.

However, Southend were beaten 31-18 by Colchester on Saturday and are now 10 points from safety.

But Cleare still believes can stay up and avoid slipping down in London One North.

“We know it’s going to be tough to stay up now but the belief is still there and we’ll be giving it all we can,” said Cleare.

“There are still nine games to go and plenty of points to play for but we have to be doing better than we did against Colchester on Saturday.

“It was a very frustrating game.

“I felt as though we lacked game management which meant we couldn’t build any pressure either.

“A lack of ability to look after the ball cost is and we need to get back to basics now.”

Southend, who also received a suspended 15 point penalty for next season, host Guildford this weekend before also welcoming Chichester - the team immediately above them in the table - to Warners Bridge the following Saturday.

And Cleare knows it is hugely important to get back to winning ways after suffering eight defeats in the last nine games.

“Every game is massive but at home we have to make sure we’re winning,” said Cleare.

“It’s a big game Saturday now and one we need to be getting as many points from as possible.”

Despite the final score-line, Southend were initially on top at the weekend and went into a 6-0 lead with two penalties from fly-half Brad Burr.

However, Colchester - who are also in the relegation zone immediately below Southend - hit back to score a trio of tries to lead 19-6 at half-time.

After the break, Southend got back into the game with a penalty try which was converted by Burr and, with the game ticking into the final quarter, both teams were pushing to get on top.

However, a handling mistake soon cost Saxons dear as Colchester seized upon the opportunity to score and, just minutes later, the hosts touched down again to take the game away from Southend.

Despite the disappointment, Southend fought back and full-back Tom Ashton scored a consolation try in the final move of the match.

Southend Saxons: Ashton, Wiltshire, Joel, Vaughan, Griffiths, Burr, Gould, Day-White, Bloomberg, Sheils, Court-Rhind, Smith, Shields, Kellard, Fombo Replacements: Forster-Knight, Murphy & Donnelly