SOUTHEND United defender Ollie Kensdale will take to the field against Maidstone on Friday having learnt valuable lessons from a tough run of results.

Blues got back to winning ways at Yeovil Town on Saturday having previously suffered seven defeats in succession.

And Kensdale found the poor form difficult to deal with.

“It wasn’t just a lot of games, for me it was tough mentally as well,” said Kensdale.

“It’s about dealing with things in different ways but it does take its toll.

“You go home and you do think about it, you don’t just switch off.

“It’s a learning experience and one I can hopefully use in a positive way in the future.”

Blues ended the losing sequence with a 2-0 victory against Yeovil Town on Saturday.

And Kensdale is now seeking more of the same against Maidstone this afternoon “It’s massive for us,” said Kensdale.

“We know the situation we’re in and we need to go and get the three points again on Friday and then see where that takes us.

“Playing on Monday as well it’s a good opportunity to catch teams.

“But all we’re thinking about is Friday.”

Bottom of the table Maidstone visit Roots Hall having already been relegated.

But Kensdale is still expecting a difficult game.

“That can work one of two ways for them but everyone in this league is tough so we have to approach it the same way we would any other game,” said the 22-year-old.

“Getting three points like we did automatically lifts the boys and it’s been a good week so we’re looking forward to the game.”

And Kensdale also wants the clean sheet against the Glovers to be a sign of things to come.

“We started off the season really well on that front,” said the centre-back.

“It probably hasn’t been where we would’ve liked more recently so it was good to get back on track at Yeovil.

“Like the gaffer says sometimes it’s just about going back to basics and we did that well on Saturday.”

Kensdale helped that happen with an assured display at the back.

But Kensdale – who already made 43 starts this season – is pleased with how things have gone for him this term.

“Personally I feel like it’s been a good season,” said Kensdale.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs but that’s when you find out about yourself.

“Luckily I’ve played a lot of games and only missed one league game so the gaffer has put faith in me and I hope I’ve repaid him.”

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