Norman Wabo is relishing the pressure of senior football following his release from Southend.

The 21-year-old striker joined Dartford on the eve of the new season and scored his first goal for the club last weekend.

Wabo featured for Ebbsfleet and Maidstone on loan but now he’s a fully-fledged non-league player.

He said: “This is something I wanted to do. I wanted to come out and play men’s football.

“It would have been better if it had worked out at Southend but I want to show what I can do on a consistent basis and hopefully get myself back up.

“I’m competitive so this is what I love doing instead of playing under-23s football where everything’s pretty.

“It’s better to go out when there’s a bit of pressure on you and the fans are watching. It tends to bring out the best in me.

“I thrive under pressure and I enjoy it much more than development football.”

Being let go by Southend wasn’t something Wabo had planned for.

“I didn’t know how to react,” he admitted. “It was quite a surprise but I had to dust myself off because it happens in football. It’s about making a career for myself now.

“Dartford spoke to my agent quite early on when they found out I was getting released.

“I was trying to stay in the League but when nothing came of it, I thought Dartford would be the best option for me.

“It was good to get my first goal. I’ve had a few chances to be quite frank!

“I feel like the weight on my shoulders has lifted and I can play freely and get a lot more goals for the club.”

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