Showing his joy - Southend United striker Macauley Bonne
(Image: Lucy Copsey)
By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.
A DELIGHTED Macauley Bonne spoke of his relief after scoring his first Southend United goal in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Having failed to score in his first 24 matches for the Shrimpers, Bonne broke the deadlock just before the break at Victoria Road.
And the 29-year-old striker showed just how much the goal meant to him during his memorable celebrations.
“It was massive weight off my shoulders because adding goals to my game is the one thing I need to do,” said Bonne.
“I can’t lie, it’s been tough.
“Not just here but it’s been a tough few years for me in football.
“I’ve been going from club to club trying to find a home and really get settled in.
“I’ve come here and I have really enjoyed my football but it’s just been about getting that first goal.”
Bonne had already seen an earlier effort ruled out for offside before he fired home a square pass from Charley Kendall to put the Shrimpers in front.
And the goal finally saw the forward rewarded for his work ethic.
“I’ve been working my absolute plums off,” said Bonne.
“I know it might not seem like it from the outside in but I put the graft in every day on and off the pitch.
“I’m 29 but I’m still hungry to score goals and the reaction today was it just all coming over.
“Hopefully this is the first of many now too.”
Bonne was joined on the score-sheet by Gus Scott-Morriss as Kevin Maher’s side deservedly picked up all three points.
And the striker now wants to make this a turning point in his season.
“The only way is up from here and I’m not taking my foot off the gas,” said Bonne “I want to help us get back up the league.
“We go again Tuesday now and I’m backing myself to keep scoring.
“I’ve always scored in patches and hopefully I’ll do that again.”
Blues remain 14th in the National League standings ahead of Tuesday night’s rearranged clash with AFC Fylde at Roots Hall.
But Bonne remains hell bent on helping the Shrimpers get closer to the play-off places.
“I’m not here to play games and have a jolly up,” stressed Bonne.
“I’m here to try and get this club back in the Football League.
“I’ve been very critical of myself, I go home after games and mull over how I’ve got to do something different.
“But today I went out with the mentality of going out to be the striker I was years ago when I was playing with freedom and a smile on my face.”
Bonne had plenty to celebrate after the game with his name being sung loudly by the travelling Shrimpers supporters.
And he was also congratulated by those watching on from afar.
“I checked my phone just now and I’ve got so many messages from people saying it’s about time,” smiled Bonne.
“It is about time too because I’ve been known as being a goalscorer and I’ve come here to score goals which I haven’t done.
“I’ve been annoyed myself.”
However, Bonne has now broken his duck and relished his role as part of a front three.
“I had two strikers on the pitch to help me and it really did,” said Bonne.
“I’m the more experienced one and I don’t mind having to get my head kicked in.
“I’m happy to be the one who has to go and battle and do the nitty gritty.
“It was good but I got a bit excited after the goal and was probably a bit of a headless chicken but that’s how happy I am to play football.
“I can’t wait for Tuesday now.”
