SOUTHEND Saxons' head coach Danny Cleare was a happy man after seeing his side secure a crucial 24-20 win against Guildford on Saturday.

Defeat would have left Southend facing an almost impossible task towards the foot of the table.

But, thanks to 19 points from centre Brad Burr, Saxons were able to come out on top at Warners Bridge.

And Cleare felt it was a hugely significant victory for his side as they bid to avoid relegation from National Three London & SE.

“It was crucial to get the win, particularly with the situation we find ourselves in,” said Cleare.

“We started the game really positively, executed our game plan well and scored two early tries but after that we let them back into the game through ill discipline and errors at the restart.

“We picked up three yellows throughout the game and they scored the majority of their points during these times.”

Skipper Marcus Bloomberg scored a try for Southend while Burr also touched down before adding a conversion and four penalties.

Cleare was full of praise for Burr’s performance but reserved a special mention for replacement prop forward Craig Strachan who he felt helped change the game.

“In all honesty the one man that did make a difference was Craig,” said Cleare.

“He came off the bench and changed the game.

“Brad is always an important player for us too.

“He’s renowned for having one of the best boots in the league but that being said it was by no means a one-man performance, everyone emptied themselves and the buzz was excellent.

“We have given ourselves a realistic chance of survival but every game is like a cup final now.”

Southend remain in 12th place and sit nine points from safety.

Southend Saxons: Joel, Wiltshire, Griffiths, Burr, Donnelly, Ashton, Gould, Day-White, Bloomberg, Shiels, O’Kill, Court-Rhind, Smith, Shields, Kellard Rep: Strachan, Murphy & O’Brien