SCRUM half Harry Branch wants to keep on impressing for Southend after making a fantastic first team debut against Lydney last weekend.

The 18-year-old earned plenty of plaudits for his lively performance in his side’s 62-29 triumph at Warners Bridge.

And he would now love to follow in his father’s footsteps by being given further opportunities to show off his skills.

“I really enjoyed the game against Lydney and it would be great if I could play more matches,” said Branch, whose dad Nigel was a key figure for the Seasiders during the 1980s.

“I was pleased with how things went at the weekend because we all played well to get 60 points against a team who were above us in the table.

“We want to keep it going when we have another hard game at Redruth on Saturday and hopefully it’s one I can be involved in.”

Branch came in to the team to replace Southend’s first choice scrum half Sam Arnott who was suspended after being sent off against Clifton.

The length of Arnott’s ban has yet to be confirmed. But Branch was delighted to be able to take his place.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be picked or not because Ben Scully is a scrum half as well and it was between us who was going to play,” said Branch.

“I found out on the Thursday before the game that I would be playing and I was pleased to be able to step up.”

Branch had previously been in fine form for Southend’s second side.

However, it was the pace of the game in National Two South he found to be the biggest difference between the two levels of play.

“The match was a lot quicker than I had been used to but I liked it,” said Branch.

“The overall standard was obviously higher but I was pleased with how it went.”

And Branch also insisted his father was just as delighted by his display.

“I think my dad was even more excited than I was, to be honest,” he said.

“This is my first season with Southend and I had previously been Westcliff.

“But because of my dad I always knew what was happening at Southend and he was ecstatic when he knew I was playing.

“It was just a shame he came to the game wearing one of the lovely club blazers.”

Branch’s dad skippered Southend for three seasons during his own career but revealed his son’s first start meant more than his own.

“It was amazing to see Harry playing for the first team,” said Nigel. “I think I probably was happier with his debut than I was my own. However, that’s mainly because mine was so long ago now that I don’t really remember too much about it!”