MACAULEY Bonne helped Southend United get back into the game against Rochdale having made sure to track the action closely from the bench.
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MACAULEY Bonne helped Southend United get back into the game against Rochdale having made sure to track the action closely from the bench.
Bonne came on as a second half substitute to set up Blues’ equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Roots Hall.
And the forward had already identified where he felt he could hurt the opposition long before entering the action.
“I could see their full-backs were really high and left space down the side,” said Bonne.
“Their left sided centre-half, looked a great footballer, but he was the one I felt I could target to get down the side of and use my pace.
“I watched the game and the higher they got the more space there was to get in behind so as soon as I came on I told Gus (Scott-Morriss) to make sure he put there.”
Bonne darted in from the right hand side before seeing his dangerous low cross diverted into the back of his own by a sliding Liam Hogan.
And Bonne knew it was important to put the ball in the right area.
“I could see Walks (Josh Walker) at the far post and there was enough space in that six yard for me to put it into,” said the striker.
“If you do that then anything can happen like you saw and after coming back from 1-0 down I think it’s a point gained.
“We’re definitely going in the right direction.”
The share of the spoils pushed the Shrimpers up to 10th in the table.
And Bonne has been further encouraged by the spirit now being shown by Kevin Maher’s side.
“We’ve got hunger and great team spirit,” said the 29-year-old.
“Maybe it’s not been there all season but the period we’re in now we’ve got that never say die attitude.
“We go right to the end and I think walking away with a point against Rochdale, you’re happy with that.”
However, Bonne will continue to look higher up the table.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but we always look at the play-offs,” said Bonne.
“We look at teams we can catch and game by game we set ourselves targets.”
Bonne also wants to help that happen anyway he can.
The experienced forward was involved in a scuffle just before Blues equalised.
And he will continue to do what he thinks is best for the team.
“I’m not nasty but if I need to I can turn it on and get in players’ heads,” explained Bonne.
“I had a bit of a scuffle before the goal but that’s me.
“If I’ve got to take one for the team and ruffle a few feathers then I’ll do it.
“Hopefully the fans and everyone can see I’m hungry and willing to work hard to help get points on board for the team.”
And Bonne will also not let his head drop – despite the ups and downs he has endured with the Shrimpers.
“If I was younger I probably would’ve thrown my dummy out the pram and made a fuss,” said Bonne.
“But now I’m getting older and more mature I know football is just done so quickly and there is no point in wasting any minutes.
“If I’m on the bench I’m on the bench and I have to make sure when I come on I make the most of it.”
