Sammie Szmodics will not be claiming the first goal to try and be credited with a hat-trick, following Saturday’s dynamic performance in a 3-1 home win over Exeter City.

Colchester United have moved up to level on points with Coventry City, who currently occupy the last League Two play-off place, after a dominant display against the Grecians.

Szmodics’ 21st minute cross was diverted into his own net by defender Troy Archibald-Henville for the opening goal, an own goal, before the U’s No. 10 netted a 25th minute penalty and then scored again on the half-hour mark.

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“No, I’m not going to claim the hat-trick,” revealed Szmodics. “To be honest with myself, it was a cross and their defender tapped it in, but I still celebrated because I thought maybe Sky Sports would give it to me, but ‘no,’ I’m happy with the two goals.

“That’s nine for the season now. I’m not giving myself a goal-target – my target is simply to keep playing games, because I have been injured for so long.”