Mikael Mandron is hoping his first-ever Colchester United goal will be the first of many after getting off the mark against Stevenage.

The French striker bagged his maiden goal in U’s colours since joining them from Wigan Athletic earlier this summer, in their 1-1 draw at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Mandron bounced back from having a penalty saved in Colchester’s Carabao Cup defeat against Aston Villa to net his first EFL goal since February, 2014.

And after featuring only three times for Wigan last season, the 22-year-old striker is determined to hit the goal trail for his new club.

Mandron said: “It’s nice to get off the mark and you’re always looking for that first goal of the season, because it sets you up for many more after that.

“Hopefully, it’ll be the first of many for me this season.

“This is what I came to Colchester for, to get games and to score goals.

“I’ve been right in the mix of it in my first week and hopefully that will continue.

“There were quite a few players around me I took my touch but I managed to find a gap to put it in.

“I said to Drey (Wright) after my goal that it was a really great pass for me.

“He put in some great work down the line and he was able to pick me out great.”

Mandron struck midway through the second half to salvage a point for Colchester, after Danny Newton had given Stevenage the lead just after half-time.

“We didn’t start the game too well but we got stronger in the second half,” said the former Sunderland forward.

“We pushed on and created chances and if we can keep the momentum of the second half and take it into our future games, we’ll be able to hurt games.

“Every game is different and you don’t always know how it is going to go.

“It’s just about adapting to the game and the situation and I think we did that well in the second half.”