Smith would have loved debut goal for U's (From Essex County Standard)

Smith would have loved debut goal for U's

8:37am Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

New boy - Michael Smith made a good impression for the U's after making his debut as a first-half substitute against Crewe Alexandra. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (CO76422-32)

New signing Michael Smith admitted a debut goal would have been the icing on the cake on his first Colchester United appearance.

But the Charlton Athletic loanee said that he was pleased with his individual performance, despite missing a gilt-edged chance in the U’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Crewe Alexandra.

Smith, who only linked up with Colchester last Friday, made a positive impression for nearly an hour against the Railwaymen after coming on as a first-half substitute for David Wright.

The 21-year-old forward added vitality to the U’s attack and provided the assist for George Porter’s equaliser, just before half-time.

However, Smith also squandered a wonderful opportunity in the second half when he blazed over the bar and Smith admitted that miss took the shine off his debut.

Smith said: “I was happy with my performance but I missed a good chance.

“That’s going to eat away at me and it spoiled my Saturday night.

“Fortunately, there’s a game at Coventry City tomorrow night to put it right and I have to forget about the Crewe game now."

See Monday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U's defeat against Crewe.