Goalscorer Scott Vernon felt Colchester United were well worth their 2-1 win at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Vernon scored a late winner for the U's at the Withdean Stadium today, just eight minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

It was the striker's first goal for Colchester since September.

Colchester had earlier fallen behind to Nicky Forster's header but Adam Hinshelwood's own goal ten minutes before half-time had got them back on level terms.

Vernon said: “I felt that we were the team most likely to win.

“We had the lucky break with the own goal and in the second half I felt that we were the better team.”

Vernon had been rested by boss Paul Lambert, who opted for a 4-5-1 formation in the first half against the Seagulls.

“It was a good feeling getting the winner,” said the former Blackpool striker.

“The pitch was a bit bobbly but I managed to get a good contact on the ball and put it in the bottom corner.”

Meanwhile, Lambert admitted his side were pushed all the way by a Brighton side struggling for form in Coca-Cola League One.

He said: “It was a really, really tough game.

“The stadium was pretty full but there was no atmosphere whatsoever.

“It was a really tough place to come and it was a really hard game but I'm absolutely delighted.”

Lambert's decision to send on Vernon and John White with 11 minutes to go paid dividends, with Alan Maybury pushed into midfield.

Maybury had a hand in Vernon's winner for Colchester, following a sweeping attacking move.

“When you get things like that you take the credit and when things go wrong, you pass the criticism on,” joked Lambert.

“It was a big team effort.

“One thing I have learned in management is that you have to have a squad of guys that will give you everything they've got and that's what they are doing.”