Mikael Mandron might not have known much about his goal, on the stroke of half-time, but it certainly helped Colchester United to claw back a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 against Notts County.

Saturday was only Mandron’s fifth league start of the season, and his second goal.

Yet the 24-year-old’s rather fortuitous strike helped to earn the U’s what could prove to be a crucial point, in their quest for a top-seven finish.

“The goal just before half-time was huge,” insisted Mandron.

“They were 3-1 up, but you know that one goal just before half-time could change everything, and you saw just that when we came back out for the second half.

“We had extra energy, and the goal really helped us.”

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As regards the nature of the goal itself, Mandron joked: “Of course I meant it, absolutely. It was a good finish!

“Basically, I got a touch and was trying to play a pass to Easty (Tom Eastman), I think, but the ball must have ricocheted off someone. The defender (Richard Duffy) tried to clear it, only to clear it onto me, and I scored!

“It doesn’t matter how you score, and I don’t mind how I score. It was another goal, and I was happy to help the team,” added Mandron.