He may not have scored, but Colchester United winger Callum Harriott produced a man-of-the-match display in Tuesday night’s 2-1 home victory over Port Vale.

Now Harriott is ready to play his part in kick-starting another winning run, against visiting Walsall tomorrow.

The U’s had won four games on the bounce, before slumping to three successive defeats, including a first home defeat in seven months (1-0 to Bury) and heavy away losses at Shrewsbury (4-2) and Wigan (5-0).

But they got back on track, thanks to goals in each half from defender George Elokobi and striker Marvin Sordell, to leapfrog Port Vale in the League One table.

“This was a big win for us,” insisted Harriott.

“We had suffered a few defeats, and the last one against Wigan was obviously quite embarrassing for us.

“We couldn’t have that same mentality going into the next game, so I think that everyone was at it.

“We knew that this was our home ground, and that we had to get back to our winning ways, and we did that, especially in the second half when we dug deep,” added Harriott.

Charlton loanee Harriott has caught the eye during his first two months with the U’s, scoring three goals in 11 appearances while also setting up countless other goals for his team-mates.

The 21-year-old was frustrated not to add to his own tally against Port Vale, especially as he rattled the post with a thunderous long-range drive in the dying minutes of Tuesday night’s game.

“The home form has been pretty good all season, but I didn’t score in this game, so it was not that good!” joked Harriott.

“I’m just happy to be playing, and to be working hard for the team, helping us to win and to bring enjoyment to people coming to watch us play.

“We have to keep pushing now. We are definitely good enough to be in the top half of the table this season.

“I didn’t score tonight, but I did think that my shot was going in. It hit the post, at which point I knew that it just wasn’t going to be my day.”

Charlton Academy product Harriott has linked up well with Sordell, which perhaps is hardly surprising given that the duo played together for the Addicks during Sordell’s loan stint at the South London club in 2013-14.

Harriott said of his team-mate: “It was a good goal from Marvin (against Port Vale), that’s what he is all about.

“He’s always in those good areas, to be honest. It was a great finish.

“Hopefully, we can take this forward into Saturday and get another win. Confidence was a bit down, after the Wigan game, but we came prepared against Port Vale.”