MATT Harrold spent two years struggling to score at Roots Hall – but now he cannot stop doing it.

Harrold netted just once at Blues' home ground in 25 league outings during his time at the club.

But, since his departure, he has scored twice in three visits.

And the 27-year-old was delighted by his latest effort against his former side on Saturday as he helped Bristol Rovers bag a 1-1 draw.

“I always get a bit of stick when I come back here so it's nice to be able to answer back to that with a goal,” said Harrold, who was also on target against Blues for Shrewsbury Town last season.

“I was disappointed to be named on the bench, especially as I knew I would be getting a lot of abuse when I had to warm up!

“That was certainly the case as well so that's why I ran past that section of the stand when I got the goal.”

But, despite that abuse and being booed, Harrold insisted he had no hard feelings towards the Southend supporters.

And he also fully understands why they single him out for stick.

“Nobody needs to tell me that when I was with Southend I didn't do well because I know that myself,” said Harrold, who scored six goals in 46 games for Blues.

“From my point of view when I come back now I just see it all as a bit of fun and banter rather than anything too serious.

“But it was lovely to score and help us get a good point against a Southend team who are doing really well this season.”

However, Harrold must now be used to doing well against Blues as since leaving in September 2008 he has scored three times against them in five games and has yet to taste defeat.

“I seem to always do well against my former teams,” said Harrold.

“I've also scored against Wycombe and Dagenham this season and it's something I think I'm making a career out of, although it might just be because I've had a lot of clubs!”