SCOTT Vernon banished the blues with his first goal for four months to seal Colchester United's first ever away league win at Brighton.

Carl Marston

SCOTT Vernon banished the blues with his first goal for four months to seal Colchester United's first ever away league win at Brighton.

The 25-year-old had been out of luck in front of goal until he slid home an 87th minute winner on the Sussex coast, just eight minutes after appearing as a substitute.

“I got some frustration out with that goal!” admitted front-runner Vernon.

“It feels good. The win was important for the team, and on a personal note it was great to score. It's been a long time in coming.

“Full marks to the manager. He's always positive. When he introduced his substitutes, he told us to go out for a winner, not just make up the numbers.

“Conditions were very difficult. It was very windy and I didn't realise how bobbly the pitch was until I came on late on. The ball was doing all sorts of things in front of me until I took the shot. Luckily, I made clean contact and it went in!

“I thought we were the better team in the second half and we looked the more likely team to win it.

“But our equaliser was a bit lucky in the first half (Adam Hinshelwood own goal). I was warming up on the touchline. The keeper (Paul Sullivan) moved a bit early, and the defender hit the ball towards where he had been.

“Yet I thought we deserved to win on our second-half performance,” added Vernon.

Vernon had been dropped from the starting line-up, after playing alongside Clive Platt in the goalless home draw against Scunthorpe. But he will be hoping for a recall when Leyton Orient visit tomorrow.

“That's six away wins this season, but we really need to sort out our home form. Hopefully I will get a good run-out against Leyton Orient,” confirmed Vernon.