SOUTHEND Saxons will be aiming for a ninth successive win when they head to Brentwood tomorrow.

Southend's fine run of results have taken them to the top of the Regional Two Anglia table.

But co-captain Ben Lloyd insists the squad are keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

"I don’t think there’s much chance of this group getting too carried away with things," said the fly-half.

"We’ve been in similar spots before and we know all too well that it’s a long slog of a season.

"There’s still a huge amount of rugby to play and every week is a different challenge.

"This week it’s Brentwood and the specific threats they present.

"As soon as you take your eye off the next obstacle is when you tend to make a mistake and there’s a queue of good teams ready to take advantage if that was to happen."

However, Southend will certainly be heading into the game on a high after beating Harlow 27-17 last time out.

And Lloyd was delighted to secure another good win.

"It was a tough, physical game but that’s exactly what we expected," said Lloyd.

"We knew that it was going to be a real battle up front having watched their game against Thurrock the week before but our pack managed to get parity at the scrum and at times had dominance, which was a big part of the puzzle."

The victory made it eight victories in a row but Lloyd is still slightly aggrieved to not have more.

"Honestly, I’m slightly frustrated that it’s not nine but maybe that’s the perfectionist in me," said Lloyd.

"The first game of the season seemed to catch us a bit cold and we didn’t really give a great account of ourselves but since then it’s been a weekly process and we’ve managed to string some great performances together.

"There’s still loads for us to improve on and we’ll keep working hard to keep improving as the season goes on but you’ve got to be happy with how things are looking at this stage."

Southend are now three points clear of second placed Eton Manor but Lloyd is still expecting another stern test at Brentwood this weekend.

"Brentwood away is always a tough place to go," said Lloyd.

"They’re a good side and they’ve had some good results already this season.

"You have to deal with the big slope and I’m sure they’ll have a decent home crowd out there too.

"It’s another big challenge for us, which we’ll make sure we’re fully focused on."

In Regional One South East tomorrow, bottom of the table Westcliff host fourth placed Shelford while second from bottom Rochford Hundred are at home to eighth placed Letchworth Garden City