SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Mark Oxley will be heading to Portsmouth on a high after helping the Shrimpers reach the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy.

Oxley saved two of the Hatters’ spot-kicks to help Blues win the tie 4-2 on penalties at Kenilworth Road.

But the shot-stopper’s efforts came just four days after a costly error against Barnsley in the FA Cup.

And Oxley was pleased to bounce back to form.

“There was no-one more disappointed than me after Saturday, especially when you aren’t winning as well,” said Oxley.

“I hold my hands up to that but we bounced back and showed good character.

“Penalty shoot-outs are always good for keepers because you can’t really lose but luckily I guessed the right way a couple of times and the lads all took their penalties really well.

“I thought we did well but now we want to build on it back in the League and get a win in that too.”

Blues will make the trip to Fratton Park having won their last League One game 2-0 against Scunthorpe United.

But Oxley is now keen for the Shrimpers to string together a run of good results.

“We’ve been inconsistent and I know I’ve been inconsistent too but we want to kick on from the win at Luton now,” he said.

“We know about the injury situation and the players we have missing but we’re trying to get on with it the best we can and I think we’re doing that.

“Hopefully we can kick on and go again on Saturday.”

However, the Shrimpers are facing the toughest task possible in League One this weekend as they head to a Portsmouth team currently sitting four points clear at the top of the table.

But Oxley is looking forward to the challenge.

“Portsmouth are doing really well but we’ll go there with a gameplan and the right mindset,” said the 28-year-old.

“The boys have got opportunities to stake a claim and they’ve been doing that.

“Young Elvis (Bwomono) was brilliant at right-back on Tuesday and we’ve got to go to Portsmouth feeling positive.

“We fought back well at Luton and showed good character after going behind.

“Some people might say it was only the Checkatrade Trophy but winning a game can only be good and it was good for me too.

“But we need a win in the League now.”

>The draw for the next round of the Checkatrade Trophy will take place tomorrow afternoon.