SOUTHEND Saxons suffered their second defeat in succession, losing 23-21 at home to Old Northamptonians.

The narrow defeat came just seven days after Southend had been beaten 54-17 by Sudbury at Warners Bridge.

But director of rugby Josh Ward was pleased to see an improved performance.

“We spoke a lot during the week about responding to last week because last week was obviously disappointing,” said Ward.

“A number of guys were missing and a number are having to move out of position but there are aspects of our game I’m really pleased with.

“I thought we played some really good attacking rugby, especially in the first 40 but it’s small margins in this league and that’s what we said at the end.

“Things we got away with previously won’t happen now and these teams will pick you off. “

Southend led 14-5 during the first half and came close to winning with the last kick of the game when a penalty from Ben Lloyd fell short of the posts.

But Ward thought Southend had enough chances to already have won the game.

“Lloydy didn’t lose us the game at the end there,” said Ward.

“If it goes over then great and it changes the outcome but we had opportunities during the game.

“We’ve still got stuff to do but we’ve certainly moved forward this week.

"I’m really proud of the people who have stepped up this week and have come in for their first game of the season for the Saxons too.”