Colchester United attacker Sammie Szmodics was on cloud nine after earning the U’s a last gasp point thanks to a real goal poacher’s effort, in the fifth minute of stoppage time in a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town this afternoon.

Livewire Szmodics made the most of a mistake by Stags keeper Conrad Logan, who failed to gather a long throw by Ryan Jackson delivered into the danger zone.

The U’s 22-year-old, the club’s leading scorer last season with 13 goals, poked home the loose ball from point blank range to rescue a point for John McGreal’s men, after they had fallen behind to Craig Davies’ wonder strike on 81 minutes.

“I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal so late in a match,” enthused Szmodics.

“Their keeper (Logan) missed it. I was right behind him, from Jacko’s throw, and it looked as though the keeper was going to catch it. He’s a big lad, but he flapped at it and I managed to put it away.

“They all count. Their geezer (Davies) scored with a sweet left-footer, but at the end of the day a goal is a goal.

“He scored one, and I scored one. He earned a point for his team, and so did I.

“We came into this game with a different game-plan, because a lot of sides will come here and lose. We weathered the storm and put in a massive performance, defensively.

“We have looked so strong at the back already this season, and we are always likely to score goals at the other end.

“Bring on the rest of the season, that’s what I say!

“I want to keep scoring, and keep finding the net,” added Szmodics.