Ben Stevenson netted only the third League goal of his short career, to mark his Colchester United debut in perfect style against Newport County on Saturday.

Midfielder Stevenson had scored twice in 48 league appearances for former club Coventry City, before his arrival at Colchester via Wolves, for whom he had signed on a permanent deal on transfer deadline day.

The 20-year-old was deeply indebted to Courtney Senior, for his part in the goal, and now he is hoping to add more goals to his tally during the closing three months of the season.

“I had only been on the pitch for about 10 minutes, but before that I should probably have taken a shot, which I didn’t,” explained Stevenson.

“I was still thinking about that, so I thought to myself – ‘I’m just going to get myself into the box as much as I can’ – and luckily I came up with a goal.

“Credit goes to Courtney (Senior), who set it up on a plate for me.

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“I’m really impressed with the lad (Senior), and the way he played. Now I’m looking forward to the rest of the season when hopefully we can push for the play-offs.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my life, finish like that. I don’t do it all the time! I suppose it was instinct really.

“It was a sort of a back-heel, that’s what I’d call it.

“I was so happy and I didn’t really know how to celebrate, because I’m not used to scoring loads of goals. I was really happy,” added Stevenson.

Leicester-born Stevenson had been at Coventry since the age of eight, and had spent most of his time operating as a deep midfielder, rather than in the more attacking role that he played against Newport

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“I think that’s the first goal I have scored from within the box,” revealed Stevenson, whose first ever professional goal was a 30-yard rocket in Coventry’s 2-1 win over Oxford in October, 2016.

He continued: “I don’t usually get myself in the box, but I played a different role today to what I’ve been used to at Coventry. It allows me to get into the box and so hopefully I can come up with more goals like that.

“We deserved the win, we all worked hard for each other. I was happy to come on and make an impact, after what has been a pretty hectic last few days for me.”