KURTIS Guthrie admits Colchester United’s boo boys drove him on after he played a part in his former club’s downfall with Stevenage.

And the 25-year-old insists he is already looking forward to facing the U’s again in the return match at the JobServe Community Stadium, on Boxing Day.

Guthrie scored one goal and made another for Stevenage, after they recovered to win 3-1 at Broadhall Way.

The controversial striker, who left Colchester by mutual consent in March after an eventful time in north Essex, was barracked by the visiting fans throughout the fiery League Two clash.

He further incurred their wrath when he celebrated by putting his finger over his lips in front of the U’s supporters after equalising just before half-time, which earned him a booking.

Guthrie said: “I got some stick from the Colchester fans but it was something I relished – I really enjoyed it.

“They should know by now what I’m about.

“If they give me that fuel, I’ll add it to the fire.

“It didn’t surprise me that they gave me stick and I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with the Colchester fans.

“I was happy to score and I hope they enjoyed the excitement.

“I’m already looking forward to going back there on Boxing Day and hopefully getting another three points.

“It was a sweet win - it’s always nice to get your first league goal and it was very pleasing.

“It was a fantastic performance – it was great to get the goal back before half-time and we started the second half well.

“I thought we were really strong in the second half and they capitulated in the end.”

Colchester attacker Sammie Szmodics admitted his former U’s team-mate Guthrie showed his scoring ability, against his old club.

Szmodics scored the U’s opener inside two minutes at Stevenage.

But Guthrie equalised just before half-time and two goals in as many minutes from Ben Kennedy and substitute Emmanuel Sonupe condemned Colchester to defeat.

“Everyone knows what Kurtis is about – fans, players and staff,” said Szmodics.

“He did well. He creates chances and he scores goals but there are so many sides to football.

“He’s a goalscorer like myself and we saw that again.”