Anthony Wordsworth's superb free-kick at Brentford last night is another sign of his progression as a player, according to Colchester United manager John Ward.

Wordsworth has started the season in good form and is now the U's leading goalscorer with five goals.

The 22-year-old has thrived in a central midfield role so far in this campaign and boss Ward feels he is making strides as a player.

Ward said: “Anthony is showing that quality more and more and he’s maturing a little bit.

“Looking at it from my angle he was a long way out and he really needed to find something special from there.

“But if anyone can in our team, he’s the one who got the most in him to do it.

“He has provided an absolutely great goal with what was probably our last opportunity and he has that in his locker.”

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