OLLIE Kensdale wants Southend United to find a way of overcoming resolute sides at Roots Hall.

Blues host Yeovil Town on Saturday having dropped points in their last two home games.

And Kensdale feels the Shrimpers must get used to the respect teams are showing against them.

“Anyone who comes to Roots Hall seems to have a similar game plan which we probably haven’t been as good as we like with,” said the defender.

“We have to work on that because people are coming here and respecting us like a top three side.

“I know people who have come here and said they would be happy with a point.

“We aren’t where we want to be in the table but people within football know what quality we’ve got.

“Saturday will be another test but it’s one we’re looking forward to and hopefully we can another three points on board.”

Blues, who sit 14th in the National League table, will also be heading to the game on a high after winning 1-0 at Wealdstone last time out.

And Kensdale felt the victory was exactly what the Shrimpers needed.

“We know where we are in the table doesn’t reflect how well we’ve played but points on the board are all that matters,” said the 22-year-old.

“We know we needed a win and didn’t need to be pretty.

“It’s ugly sometimes and we had to make it ugly at times on Saturday but a 1-0 win away from home, you can’t ask for much more.

“We got a clean sheet and scored a penalty which is something of a rare occurrence for us at the moment!

“We’re a confident group but this will help that even more and we want to make winning a habit.

“We look forward to Saturday now and it’s another winnable game.”

Blues have now also secured five clean sheets in their last eight games.

And Kensdale is pleased with that defensive record.

“It's pleasing for us as defenders and Collin (Andeng Ndi) has come in and done really well too,” said Kensdale.

“We’ve got targets within the camp and we know where we need to get to if we’re going to get promoted.

“We know how many clean sheets we need to hit and we’re about a quarter of the way towards that now.

“We work on that throughout the week and there’s no better feeling than when that work pays off.”

Kensdale has certainly played a huge part in the sequence of shut-outs.

But since Kasper Lopata’s return to the Shrimpers, Kensdale has moved to the left hand side of the three centre-backs.

And it is a role he does not mind playing.

“It is a bit of a difference, your pictures change and takes a bit of time to adjust,” said Kensdale.

“Showing versatility is part of my game and I’m happy to play anywhere.

“I just want to play my best every game and keep the shirt because there’s real competition for places in the squad now.

“I’ve enjoyed it and I’ve enjoyed being back with Kas too.

“It’s all about building relationships and playing next to Kas and Ralphy (Nathan Ralph) – they’re two very good players – helps me a lot.

“It’s been good and I’ve enjoyed it.”

Kensdale has now made 26 appearances since joining Blues back in December, the first of which came at home to Yeovil last season.

And he is happy with the progress he has made since stepping up from Concord Rangers.

“It's been really good and really positive,” said Kensdale.

“I couldn’t really have asked for much more.

“It would have been a miracle if we got play-offs last year but I’ve come in and made quite a few appearances which is what I want to do.

“This year I really want to do something and this club is massive, everyone knows that.

“It shouldn’t be anywhere near non-league.

“We’ve got targets and I want to help the club reach them because I have aspirations to get back into the EFL, just like Southend.

“It’s gone well so far but there are a lot of targets individually and collectively we still need to hit.”

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