Paul Reid did not celebrate Colchester United’s dramatic winner at Hereford United at first – because he did not see John-Joe O’Toole score.

The U’s centre-half initially thought Anthony Wordsworth’s low cross had gone to waste, as his view was obscured by another player.

It was only after O’Toole had smartly struck home that Reid realised Colchester had scored a dramatic winner, after a tight contest at Edgar Street.

Reid told the Gazette: “I didn’t actually see John-Joe running on to it – he was obscured by one of our players.

“I was turning back around when John-Joe slotted it in and it was a really good finish.

“I thought that we deserved it in the end.

“The game turned out pretty much how we expected it.

“They were at home and they battled hard but I thought we matched them and we grabbed the goal at the right time.

“The pressure was off them – we were expected to go to Hereford and win because we’re in the higher league.

“But we did really well and matched them and that’s why we won the game.”

Reid has been in impressive form since returning to the Colchester starting line-up for their last two games, following a eight-month injury lay-off.

The former Barnsley defender has helped the U’s keep clean sheets against both Hereford and Stockport County, after returning to the side following a serious knee injury last season.

Now he is determined to keep his place and continue to impress manager Aidy Boothroyd.

He said: “I had to be patient and bide my time a bit but hopefully in the last two games I’ve proved that I am match fit and I’m worthy of a place in the side.

“It’s two games back and two clean sheets so long may that continue.

“I’ve only played two games this season and the lads before me have got us into a really good position in the league.

“I think credit need to go to them but I’m just happy to be back in the team again.”