STEPHEN McLaughlin wants his goal in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Peterborough United to kick-start his season.

The Southend United winger has endured a frustrating start to the campaign and failed to register a goal or an assist in his first eight appearances.

However, the Irishman bagged Blues’ second goal against Posh and now wants to keep on making a big impression.

“It’s been frustrating for me but to finally get on the scoresheet is good for me and my confidence,” said the 28-year-old.

“I know I’ve missed a few but I’ve hit the back of the net now and hopefully I can get a few more to help the team.

“I want to add a few assists too and do all I can to help.”

McLaughlin fired home a left wing cross from Ben Coker to bring Blues back level midway through the second half.

But a late winner from Posh striker Ivan Toney meant the winger ended up a frustrated figure at the final whistle.

“As pleasing as it was to get my first goal of the season because it had been a long time coming for me, I’m still disappointed as we haven’t taken anything from the game and that’s what matters most,” said McLaughlin.

“It’s hard to take too.

“They’re the League leaders and they play a certain style.

“But they scored two of their goals from set pieces and that’s also hard to take because we didn’t really do that much last season.

“We need to sort that side of it out and we’ll be good.

“The boys are obviously gutted but we can’t change it now.

“We have to try and sort things out and go again.”

And, as Blues bid to make that happen, McLaughlin feels the squad are still in good spirits.

“We’re all together still and you can see that on the pitch because we’re in it for each other,” said McLaughlin.

“The boys are all grand and although this is tough to take we have to keep battling.”

But McLaughlin - who got married in the summer - already has plenty to celebrate.

“My missus is 14 or 15 weeks pregnant,” said the winger, explaining his goalscoring celebration which saw him place the ball under his shirt.

“That was for her and it’s a really special time for me at the minute.”