OLLIE Kensdale wants his landmark appearance to signal a change in fortune for Southend United at Roots Hall.

Blues – who host Aldershot on Saturdat– have been beaten in four of their last five home games having previously triumphed in seven of their previous eight outings in front of their own fans.

And Kensdale is keen for the Shrimpers to get back to their best on what will be his 100th game for the club.

“The first few months we must have been up there with the best home form in the league,” said the 23-year-old.

“The last two home games maybe we’ve been unlucky and we haven’t taken our chances but whatever it is we’ve got to get back to taking those chances.

“Once we get that first goal and we have the crowd behind us I don’t think anyone can beat us.

“But it’s something we need to fix and then we roll onto Tuesday’s home game with Altrincham.”

Blues will head into Saturday’s clash with the Shots on a high after ending a four match winless streak with a 2-1 victory at Maidenhead on Tuesday night.

And Kensdale was thrilled to get back to winning ways.

“The main thing was the three points because we all knew we needed them,” said Kensdale.

“It was a relief but it had been coming because I don’t think performances have been horrendous.

“It was good to get the win and hopefully we can go on a little run now.”

The victory moved Blues up to 18th in the National League table.

And Kensdale is now turning his sights on to Saturday’s clash with fifth place Aldershot.

“They’re a good team but at home I fancy us against anyone,” said Kensdale.

“By no means are we out of the relegation fight or whatever you like to call it but it’s about getting the next win on the board and seeing where it takes us.

“We have games in hand and hopefully we use them to our advantage but all we’re thinking about is Saturday.”

Blues remain above the drop zone on goal difference.

But Kensdale is taking heart from the Shrimpers’ previous performances.

“Away at Aldershot I thought it was one of our best performances and I felt we completely dominated the game,” said Kensdale.

“We’ve also beaten Chesterfield at home who are champions to be plus we’ve beaten Solihull and Oldham too so there’s no-one we fear.

“We’ll have our game plan and if we execute it I’m sure we’ll get the three points.”

And victory would also make it a memorable 100th match for Kensdale.

“I’m delighted to get to 100 games and it’s come around quicker than I thought,” said Kensdale.

“It’s something I wanted to get to this season.”

“I was working it out but when the guys told me it turned out my maths was incorrect!

“It’s nice to get there but it’s another game and hopefully we’ll get the three points.”

Kensdale joined Blues from Concord Rangers in December 2021 and has experienced a wide range of emotions since coming on board.

“There have been plenty of highs and plenty of lows but that’s part of being with Southend,” said Kensdale.

“There have been more highs than lows and hopefully there’s more to come in the next 100.”

But there have already been a number of matches which stick out for the defender.

“My debut was a big moment and scoring my first goal against Notts County in what was a good game against Notts County,” said Kensdale.

“The Oldham game this year stood out quite a lot as well with everything that had gone on during pre-season.

“To get that 4-0 win was a huge buzz.”