Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe could not have hoped for a better first-ever start in the Football League, and he is promising more to come.
Front-runner Ogedi-Uzokwe was plying his trade in the Bostik (Isthmian) North, step four of non-league, with Maldon & Tiptree before his move to Colchester United last month.
It was the 23-year-old’s big chance to make a name for himself, as a professional footballer, and he marked his full League debut with a goal and a late assist in the U’s 2-1 home win over Coventry City on Tuesday night.
“It’s been a great night for me,” enthused Ogedi-Uzokwe.
“I’m glad to make an impact, and that the gaffer (John McGreal) had faith in me.
“He said to me that I was starting, and told me to see what I could do.
“Now I hope to keep doing it, and to score more goals.”
Ogedi-Uzokwe was handed a surprise first start, ahead of transfer deadline day signing Liam Mandeville, after Kurtis Guthrie suffered an ankle injury during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Carlisle.
And the former Jammers marksman responded by winning a penalty, and then scoring from the spot, to give the U’s a 27th minute lead against Coventry, before providing an inch-perfect cross for Mikael Mandron to head home an 88th minute winner.
“I was pulled back for the penalty. I thought I could reach the ball, but he (defender Rod McDonald) held me back.
“I thought that because I won the penalty, then I should take it as well.
“I always fancy myself from penalties. When it comes to taking them, I have confidence.
“I always think that I am going to score from penalties, like I did for Maldon & Tiptree.
“I just make sure that I manage to block everything out. I just think that I’m playing in the park with my friends!”
With regards his late assist, for his strike-force partner Mandron, Ogedi-Uzokwe said: “I do set up quite a few assists, though I don’t count them, while as a striker you always count your goals.
“I just floated it into the box for Mika (Mandron) to score.”
Ogedi-Uzokwe will look to make a similar impact when the U’s travel to struggling Crewe Alexandra this Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here