Colchester United

The hitman turned in another impressive performance on Tuesday night as Colchester ended a run of three consecutive defeats to see off Port Vale at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

With the scores locked at 1-1, it was Sordell's 73rd minute strike that sealed the points and banished the demons of Saturday’s 5-0 loss at the hands of Wigan Athletic.

George Moncur, at the heart of proceedings all game, made a driving run into the box only to be upended by Ryan McGivern.

Screams for a penalty fell on deaf ears but, while everyone else around him stopped, Sordell pounced on the loose ball for the simplest of finishes into an open goal, and Humes was quick to praise the quality the striker brings to the table.

"He’s quick and strong and he’s lethal when he gets the chance to be," Tony told the press.

"He’s often in a difficult position being up top by himself. He has two defenders to contend with but he can hold the ball up well and bring others into the game.

"You have to remember that he’s only eight or nine games into his time here, he’s still getting used to us and us him.

"However, you can see the composure he possesses, he’s a real handful for defenders.

"I thought he played magnificently and his overall contribution has been fantastic since his arrival.

"While everyone else stopped for that penalty decision to arrive, he was ready to stick the ball in the back of the net – it was a quality finish, that’s what we know he’s capable of and I’m delighted with his progress."

George Elokobi put the U’s in front midway through the first half with a powerful finish from just inside the area before Colin Daniel dragged the visitors back on level terms just before the break, but the hosts were not to be denied as a performance full of grit and attacking flair provided the perfect tonic for the weekend’s disappointment.

And Humes has praised the battling spirit and leadership qualities of experienced players like Elokobi to guide the team and lead them to the points.

Tony added: "We needed our experienced players today. We needed the win. In situations like the one we were in today, experience does matter and I really hope our younger players learn from that.

"You can’t underestimate the impact our experienced players had on the squad tonight. Everyone put their bodies on the line and really fought for the points. It’s exactly what we needed after a tough run of results."