SOUTHEND United winger Michael Kightly turned jeers into cheers after bagging Blues’ winning goal against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Kightly - who returned to Roots Hall in the summer - was barracked by the travelling supporters having spent the last four years with Rovers’ arch enemies Burnley.

And the Basildon-born 31-year-old was therefore delighted to have helped the Shrimpers secure all three points on the opening day of the season.

“I got stick from the moment I pulled up in my car but I laughed it off and it was great to get the win,” said Kightly.

“It’s actually nice to get stick because it spurs you on and it was pleasing to score in front of them.

“The win matters more than me scoring and our fans played a big part too because I thought they were unbelievable.

“The pitch was long and sapping but the fans gave us that extra lift and really drove us on.

“I thought everyone looked really fit and it was a great way to start.”

More than 9,000 fans watched Saturday’s game at Roots Hall and saw Kightly double the Shrimpers’ lead after Ryan Leonard had earlier fired them in front.

Ex-Blues loanee Charlie Mulgrew netted an impressive free-kick in the second half but Phil Brown’s side were still able to come out on top against the League One title favourites.

However, Kightly is keen for Blues to keep their feet on the ground.

“It’s a good win but it’s just one win so we aren’t going to get carried away,” said the former Chalvedon School pupil.

“It’s put a marker down and has shown what we can do but we have to build on it and make sure we’re consistent now.

“Blackburn are a massive club but I thought we blew them away in the first half.

“Other than a ‘worldy’ of a free-kick I thought we looked comfortable throughout so it’s a really encouraging start.

“I think it’s important to win your first game because it builds confidence and a winning mentality.

“But we have to make sure we go and build on it because otherwise it won’t mean anything at all.”

And Kightly will also be looking to build upon his own excellent start, which saw him score his first league goal for the Shrimpers 15 years after first signing for the club in the youth team.

“I’ve scored a few at other clubs but I never scored a league goal at Southend before so it was nice to get one at last,” said Kightly.

“I actually had a few of the old scholars I was in the youth team with here watching and the only problem about coming back is having to get so many people tickets.”

But Kightly is hoping they will be able to watch Blues win promotion.

“The promotions I’ve had before have been when everyone was pulling in the right direction and we had that on Saturday,” he added.