Colchester United midfielder Arthur Read on Notts County win

But the U’s midfielder says he relished being part of a memorable contest, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Read scored two magnificent goals in Colchester’s triumph, which was a classic end-to-end match from the first whistle until last.

READ MORE: Was Colchester's epic contest against Notts County the best-ever game at the JCS?

The 23-year-old was the U’s man of the match after playing a starring role in their win – and says he loved being involved in such a great game, even if it was nerve-racking at times.

Read said: “It was a really enjoyable game to be a part of.

“It was a bit nail-biting but I love playing in games like that.

“It was very end to end and I’d have liked to have had a bit more control but against a top team like that, you can’t really expect too much.

“It was a massive win - to beat Notts and having already beaten Gillingham, it shows that we can beat these top sides.

“Now it’s a case of us being consistent with it.

READ MORE: 'A brilliant team': Notts County boss Luke Williams' verdict

“It would have been horrible had we conceded near the end – this season, we’ve conceded a few late goals so to grind it out with ten men and a lot of added time it was deserved, I think.

“I think a lot of us were shattered after about 60 minutes, the way they kept passing it and playing good football.

“They kept coming back at us and they’re a top team.

“But to get the three points and to beat a top team is a massive credit to us, I think.”

Read’s two goals against Notts County were his first since his arrival at Colchester from Stevenage, in January.

His first was a magnificent free-kick from 20 yards, with his second strike equally spectacular from long range, in the second half.

Read said: “Me and Chilvers regularly practise our free-kicks.

“I was close a couple of weeks ago but to finally score one was lovely.

“Everyone’s been telling me I need to shoot more around the box and I finally did it.

“To score two was perfect.

“For my second goal, I don’t think there was any other option on – I think I was the only one forward!

“I kind of had to take the shot on and it was a nice strike.”

READ MORE: Colchester fans have their say on epic Notts County clash

Read has been in excellent form for Colchester over recent weeks, with his display against Notts County the latest of a string of fine performances.

“I’m really pleased,” said former Luton Town and Brentford youngster Read.

“I think the first couple of games, I probably wasn’t at my best but after that, the last probably seven games I’ve been really happy.

“I’m constantly trying to get on the ball and trying to make things happen for the team, so it’s been positive.”

Read will be hoping to help Colchester follow up their impressive win over Notts County with another three points at Newport County, tomorrow night.

Read added: “We have to follow it up at Newport.

“We don’t want to have won against Notts County and then have a poor performance or a loss on Tuesday.

“Consistency is the main thing now and all of us will be feeling positive, going into the game.”