SOUTHEND United matchwinner Sam Dalby was given goosebumps following the Shrimpers’ opening day victory at King’s Lynn.

Dalby netted the only goal of the game inside the opening 10 minutes at the Walks.

But it was the impressive travelling support which made the match even more memorable for the summer signing.

“The fans were unbelievable,” said Dalby.

“I had goosebumps just walking out for the warm up.

“The fans were honestly fantastic. It felt like a home game and it was a really good start for us.”

Blues had supporters in three sides of the ground and were boosted early on when Dalby fired home from close range to make it a memorable debut.

“It fell for me quite nicely,” said Dalby.

“The defender mis-cleared it and I just swung my right foot at it.

“I’m happy it went in. It gave us confidence and something to work on.

“We had a game plan which we executed quite well after that too.

“There’s a lot for us improve on but it’s a good start.”

The Shrimpers were forced to survive a nervy ending to the game after failing to add to Dalby’s early effort.

But Dalby is certain his strike-partner Rhys Murphy will soon start to convert the kind of chances he wasted against King’s Lynn.

“A second goal would obviously have made it easier for us and we were hanging on a bit at the end,” said Dalby.

“Rhys’ movement is incredible and that’s why he got those chances today.

“He’s a great finisher so he will convert them but the most important thing is getting on the end of them.”

But Dalby insists the Shrimpers will not read too much into their opening day win.

“We won’t look too far ahead,” said the striker.

“It’s game by game but we’re confident.

“We had a good pre-season and we’re looking forward to pushing on now.”

And Dalby is also determined to make that happen.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of a first team and not on loan somewhere,” he said.

“We all want to kick on from here, myself included.”