COLCHESTER United winger Owura Edwards has vowed to make up for lost time as he stakes a claim for a place in Danny Cowley’s starting line-up.

The 23-year-old came off the bench to score the U’s equaliser in their game with Bromley, on Saturday.

Edwards’ goal capped an impressive showing by the substitute after he came on early in the second half of the 1-1 draw, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

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The former Bristol City winger experienced a frustrating time last season, due to injury.

But Edwards says he is feeling good and is determined to keep working hard, as he targets a first U’s league start under the Cowleys.

Edwards said: “I’ll just keep improving, keep working.

“At the end of the day, the manager picks the team but all I can do is control what I can control.

“Last season was a very frustrating season for me but I’ve been working super hard and I’m pleased to get to where I am.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

“I need to make up for lost time and I’m raring to go.

“I’m feeling really good and in good shape.

“I like to be entertaining and exciting but most importantly, my job is to score and assist for my team.

“That’s my job – I try to come on and make an impact for the team.

“I just have to be ready for whatever happens, whether I’m starting or coming off the bench.

“As long as I’m ready, that’s what I can control.”

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Edwards scored his first goal in 17 months when he converted from Jack Payne’s deep cross, against Bromley.

“What a ball from Jack Payne,” said Edwards, whose last competitive goal came for Ross County against Hearts in April, 2023.

“It was right on the money and as the gaffer always says, just make the back post and then make the run and I was there to score.

“You just have to focus on the ball in that moment and keep your eye on it and that’s what I did.

(Image: MATT WILKINSON)

“It was an amazing feeling to score and it’s been coming, to be fair and I think it’s well deserved.”

Edwards is confident Colchester can move up the League Two table, in the coming weeks.

The U’s have registered five points from their opening five league games, ahead of their trip to bottom side Morecambe this weekend.

Edwards added: “We’ve got a really good group with really talented players and I expect us to do very well, this season.

“Results are important but performances are what’s going to keep you consistent, throughout the season.

“We just need to keep working, keep on top of our performances and improve on the things that we need to improve on.”