OLLIE Kensdale is determined to build on his full Southend United debut and prove he was right to join the Shrimpers.

The 21-year-old, who made his first start for Blues in Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge, ignored advances from high-flying Chesterfield before coming to Roots Hall.

But the defender remains adamant coming to Roots Hall was the right move for his career.

“It wasn’t really a choice between Chesterfield and Southend as such but I didn’t feel Chesterfield was the right move,” said Kensdale.

“As soon as I heard Southend were in it for me, it felt right and it clicked.

“Still being quite young, I took my time to get the right move and I feel like this is the one for me.

“Hopefully I can show everyone else that now.

Kensdale played the final five minutes of Tuesday night’s 2-1 win against Yeovil before starting Saturday’s clash at Victoria Road.

But, despite being disappointed with the result, Kensdale was keen to take positives from the performance.

“Of course it’s disappointing to be out of the Trophy but I thought in the first half we were on top and the better team,” said Kensdale.

“We felt like we missed a couple of good chances and it was a story of two halves really.

“They had their chances in the second half and they took them but there were plenty of positives.”

However, that did not include Blues’ reaction to going behind early in the second half.

“We petered out after the first goal and I don’t think our reaction was good enough, “said Kensdale.

“But we had a couple of new players coming in, including myself, and it’s about building new relationships.

“Things aren’t always going to click straight away.”

Kensdale started in a back three for the Shrimpers at Victoria Road.

And the defender was delighted to be called upon by boss Kevin Maher.

“The gaffer and all the management team have put a lot of trust in me,” said the defender.

“They’ve put a lot of confidence into me too and to give me my first start was a good feeling.

“I felt like I did OK, other than perhaps the last 10 minutes.

“I was feeling it a bit after not playing for two months but apart from that I thought I did alright.

“My legs went towards the end and I feel that showed with a couple of sloppy passes.

“But apart from that I thought I did alright.

“I would’ve liked to have got on the ball more and shown what I can do but Dagenham are a good team.

“I did OK but there’s a lot more to come.”

Kensdale’s next opportunity to impress could come against King’s Lynn in another important National League clash at Roots Hall on Friday.

But the defender knows it could be tough to get into the team.

“Obviously the boys are playing really well at the minute so it’s hard to break in,” said Kensdale.

“But when the gaffer next gives me a chance, it’s about taking it.

“We’ve been doing really well in the league lately though and we’re looking to keep that going.”

Blues have won their last two league games to move seven points clear of the drop zone.

But Kensdale is keen for the Shrimpers to keep on progressing after being pleasantly surprised by the size of the club.

“I knew it was a big club when I joined but I didn’t realise just how big,” said the defender.

“The following has been amazing.

“We had nearly 5,000 fans against Yeovil on a Tuesday night when we’re not where we want to be in the league.

“To have that kind of support, I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s been amazing and if we can keep performing like we did on Tuesday we can get everyone back onside.

“That’s what we want but games like Friday are must win and we will be going out to get the three points.”