DAVID Mooney is delighted to have turned jeers into cheers at Southend United.

The striker bagged the Shrimpers’ first goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Millwall.

And the Irishman was happy to hear the Roots Hall faithful roaring their approval just weeks after he had been barracked from the stands.

“It’s really tough when you’re getting stick like that, especially when you’re already low on confidence,” said Mooney.

“I got booed when I was coming on as a sub and had nothing to do with the performance on the pitch.

“It’s hard when you get home after a game and your little girl, who was at the game, is asking why people were booing you as well.

“But, hopefully after Saturday, it’s all in the past now.

“The atmosphere was great in the ground at the weekend and it felt as though the whole place was buzzing which was great.”

However, Mooney fully understands that Blues’ performances can also affect the atmosphere.

“It takes two to tango and the fans respond to how we’re playing,” said the 31-year-old.

“I think they could see how hard we were working at the weekend and I think the referee not sending their player off also got them going even more.

“It really did make a difference and it would be great if it was like that all the time from now on.”

Blues will now be looking to build on their win against Millwall when they head to Northampton Town on Saturday.

And Mooney will be heading into the clash with renewed confidence.

“I pride myself on being a strong character but I was absolutely dying to get that goal at the weekend,” said the striker.

“It gives you a huge lift and as a team hopefully we’ve turned a corner now.

“Getting four points from nine against Bolton, Scunthorpe and Millwall isn’t a bad return but it’s a tough league and Saturday will be another very hard game.”

The Cobblers are currently 11th in the League One table.

And Mooney feels Blues will need to be at their best to beat them.

“Sometimes when you’re five per cent off your best it can look as though you’re 50 per cent off because of the quality of the opposition,” said Mooney.

“We have to make sure we’re at 100 per cent at the weekend.”