SOUTHEND Saxons will be looking to kick start their season when they host Guildford tomorrow.

Southend have been beaten in their first two fixtures of the new London & SE Premier campaign and suffered a 69-5 defeat at local rivals Westcliff last weekend.

But skipper Ross O’Brien is demanding a positive reaction to the painful setback.

“If losing to your closest neighbour by that degree doesn’t motivate you to do better then nothing probably will,” said the full-back.

“We need to reflect personally and then park it.

“Last week is done and all our focus is going to be on Guildford at home this Saturday.

“It is very important we put in a performance which will then turn into results.”

However, for that to happen O’Brien knows a new look Southend must improve on their disappointing display at the Gables.

“We were very disappointed with the performance at the weekend and it simply wasn’t good enough,” said O’Brien.

“We were second best in all areas which is extremely disappointing but full credit to Westcliff they played very well and were ruthless in their execution.

“I do feel we let them play which obviously was not our intention.

“However, we can put these things right this week and get excited for the weekend.”

Southend are now one of just three sides yet to pick up a point at this level.

But O’Brien feared Saxons may make a slow start.

“It was always going to take time because this team has only played one or two games together,” said O’Brien.

“We need to come together and stand united so we’re definitely looking forward to playing at home again this weekend.”

Guildford have also yet to win this season and have collected just two points from their first two games.

>SOUTH Woodham Ferrers host Old Haberdashers in London One North this weekend looking to bounce back from successive defeats while Thurrock - who beat Gravesend last weekend - entertain Medway in London One South.

In London Three Essex, Basildon host Canvey Island hoping to make it back to back to wins at the start of the season.