Forget the Wealdstone Raider – the Colchester poacher was the star attraction at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday night.

Macauley Bonne was naturally the centre of attention after scoring four goals in the U’s FA Cup win over their National League South opponents.

Bonne’s proud smile as he walked out of the tiny changing room and into the dark November night clutching the match ball was lovely to see.

He was delighted with his achievements, having become the first Colchester player to score four goals in a game since Chris Iwelumo achieved the notable feat in the club’s 5-1 win over Phil Parkinson’s Hull City at Layer Road, nine years ago.

But perhaps more telling was the fact that the Zimbabwe international should be self-critical, having just registered his first-ever professional hat-trick.

Bonne was still ruing the fact that another of his attempts on goal against the Stones, a first-half effort that came back off a post, did not nestle in the net.

“I’ve got a strong left foot and it would have been good had it gone in,” he said.

Few, if any, at Colchester have doubted Bonne’s talent or that he has the potential to be a regular goalscorer for the club.

He has always been regarded in high esteem by the U’s coaching team after arriving from neighbours Ipswich Town as a boy.

But since making his professional debut more than two years ago, Bonne has never really been afforded the luxury of having an extended first-team run.

After starting a number of games for the U’s earlier in the season, he has largely had to play second fiddle to Marvin Sordell over recent weeks.

But in utilising Bonne in a wide-right position, perhaps Colchester have now found a way to accommodate both forwards in their starting line-up.

Of course, a non-league defence is a very different proposition to that of a League One side.

For all of Wealdstone’s determination and commitment, this weekend’s clash with high-flying Coventry City will present an entirely different challenge.

Nevertheless, Bonne will be brimming with confidence after his memorable performance – and that can only be good for both player and club.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.