ARMANDO Dobra says scoring his first goal for Colchester United was a 'proud moment'.

The skilful midfielder grabbed the U's winner in their 1-0 triumph over West Ham United under-21s, in the Papa John's Trophy.

Dobra's cool finish against the Hammers got him off the mark for Colchester and was his first goal since scoring in the same competition for parent club Ipswich Town against Gillingham, 12 months ago.

Now he is up and running in the goal stakes, the 20-year-old has set his sights on finding the net on more occasions.

Dobra said: "I haven't scored in a while and to get that first goal was a very proud moment for me.

"I saw the keeper come out and I thought I'd just dink it over him, so I'm really happy.

"I hope I can get many more for the team."

Dobra, one of eight changes to Colchester's starting line-up for the Group A game, was in impressive form against West Ham's youngsters.

The Ipswich loanee has caught the eye in both of the U's Papa John's Trophy games so far this season and is now targeting his first league start for Hayden Mullins' side.

"I want to show the gaffer what I can do in these games and play as well as I can to give him a problem for the league games," said Dobra, who has made two substitute appearances so far for Colchester in League Two.

"The manager has helped me a lot since I've come in and I'm really happy that he gave me the 90 minutes to show what I can do.

"I like attacking but if the team needs me to defend, then I'm there to do that too.

"I'm there to put my body on the line, like everyone else has to do from the backline to midfield and up top as well."

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Dobra linked up to good effect against West Ham under-21s with fellow youngster Chay Cooper.

The former Spurs youngster enjoyed a solid debut for the U's and provided the assist for Dobra's winner.

Dobra said: "The gaffer told us bits before the game and it really helped both of us to understand how we play.

"The gaffer helped us a lot with that and I thought Chay played really well."

Dobra's goal secured Colchester their first Group A win in this season's Papa John's Trophy.

It was also their first home victory of the season, something Dobra feels will boost them ahead of their league clash with Salford City, on Saturday.

Dobra added: "It was good to get a home win and a clean sheet as well.

"We drew last weekend and followed that up with a win, so that gives us a boost going into Saturday to get another win here.

"Our home form is really important; our away form is really good so if we can do that with our home form as well, we'll be right up there.

"It's good to get three points in the competition.

"I thought we were very good in the first half but you also have to do the ugly side of the game.

"When we're under the cosh, you have to defend as a team and I thought we did that really well.

"Even in the second half, we had chances to kill the game on the counter attack.

"Overall, I think we played really well."