Southend United midfielder David Lee set his sights for the new Third Division season after masterminding the Shrimpers' 2-0 opening day win against Brighton at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Blues striker Martin Carruthers put the Seasiders in front with a fifth minute header, before Stanford-le-Hope based Lee's 25-yard thunderbolt sealed victory over the Seagulls seven minutes from time.

"It was nice to get off to a winning start and hopefully we can keep on going now," said the 20-year-old, who was making both his Southend and League debuts against Brighton.

"Playing first team football is such a bonus. I couldn't always make the reserve team at my last club Spurs because I had to play second fiddle to both Steffen Freund and Alan Nielsen.

"But coming to Roots Hall has given me the chance to show what I can do and I'm sure I can get even better."

The modest midfielder played down talk of his spectacular strike being a goal of the season contender, but promised there would be plenty more to come.

"I like to get forward and have a shot at goal and I have set myself a target of ten league goals this season," he added.

"Brighton's defenders gave me a lot of space and time before I hit my first goal for Blues on Saturday.

"When I got through I thought I would have to try and dribble past them at first, but they kept backing off so I just kept running forwards and had a crack at goal, which ended up in the back of the net."

Blues boss Alan Little was pleased to have gained revenge against Brighton, who beat Southend in controversial circumstances during their last meeting at the Withdean Stadium, when Seagulls hitman Gary Hart punched the ball into the goal.

"I reminded my lads of the looks on the Brighton players' faces after they beat us down at their place," said Little.

"They were very happy with themselves that day and I told my team to go out and put the record straight, which they did.

"We played well and I think at the end of the day our superior fitness shone through as we totally out-battled Brighton in hot and difficult conditions."

Little also praised his defence for the resilience they displayed on the occasions they were put under intense pressure by Brighton's forwards.

Off to a flyer - Southend team-mates congratulate a delighted David Lee (25) after the midfielder's strike clinched Southend's opening day 2-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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