SOUTHEND United striker Elliot Benyon believes he is already fitter now than he was at any stage of last season.

The 24-year-old joined Blues during the January transfer window after a prolonged period out of action which affected his match sharpness.

But, after working hard throughout the summer, Benyon scored one goal and made another during Wednesday night’s win at Great Wakering Rovers.

And the forward now also wants to impress in Southend’s next pre-season friendly at Braintree Town tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s another game for us but I’m looking forward to it,” said Benyon, who scored twice in 17 appearances for Blues last term.

“It’s an important pre-season for me and I want to do well in the matches we have coming up.

“Last season was hard because I came in not having played for a while and it was always going to take time to get back up to speed.

“However, I’m already feeling much fitter and sharper this timer around and it was good to get 45 minutes under my belt at Great Wakering.

“The goal was a bonus and so was the assist but hopefully I can go on to have a good season.”

Benyon was a regular goalscorer during his spell with Torquay United and netted 46 goals in 88 starts.

But, since leaving the Gulls in January last year, the forward has scored just three times in 42 games.

And Benyon is desperate to rediscover his best form.

“I’m confident I can score goals in this league again, all I need is the games,” said Benyon.

“If I get them then I really do believe I could be the key to our season this year. "

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO