Elliott Hewitt was ready to hobble off the pitch, just a few minutes before he struck with a memorable first goal of his career.

Colchester United right winger Hewitt, on loan from Ipswich Town, celebrated his first goal in 76 senior appearances with the crunch second in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Peterborough.

The 20-year-old capped a long run with a stunning 25-yard finish, into the bottom corner of the net.

“I’m made up with the goal, but I was meant to be coming off a few minutes before, because I felt a tight groin,” revealed Hewitt.

“But luckily I stayed on the pitch, and adrenalin must have just got me through it to go on that run and score.

“This win should be a confidence booster for the whole team, and hopefully this can turn the season around for us.

“For most of the first half, Peterborough put us under the cosh, but we hit them on the counter-attack in the second half.

“And this first goal of my career is a good one to start with.

“I want to get scoring more goals into my game, if I’m playing further up the field (right wing), to try and help the team rise up the league.”

Wales-born Hewitt, who began his professional career at Macclesfield, moved to Ipswich in on a three-year contract in the summer of 2012.

He has spent much of his career operating as a right-back, but can also play further up the flank, a position that manager Tony Humes has given him in recent games.

“I’m enjoying it, playing further up the pitch, though I’ve got a lot to learn yet,” continued Hewitt.

“I’ve maybe struggled a bit, but hopefully I can push on from here and get some confidence.

“In that position I am probably better helping out at the back, off the ball, but I want to get the other side of my game going as well. I feel I’m progressing as a player here.

“I’m happy to have signed (extension to his loan) to stay longer at Colchester, though I do have a 24-hour recall at Ipswich, if anything was to happen.

“We need to pick up our home form now, because it hasn’t been the best.”

Hewitt first arrived at the U’s on October 6. He has so far made 15 appearances for the club.

The U’s entertain Walsall this Saturday.