Callum Morton said it was the 'perfect day' after he bagged his first goal for Forest Green in the 5-0 thrashing of Colchester United.

On his first league start for the club, Morton opened the scoring in the first half, pouncing on a goalkeeping error as Tom Smith spilled Tyrese Omotoye's tame shot.

The Salford loanee was a threat all game with his running in-behind - and could have doubled his tally just before the break, but was denied by the feet of Smith.

"The collective performance is what we needed," said Morton. "We needed to put somebody to the sword and we've managed to do that.

"Getting a goal on my first start in the league is perfect and the lads that came on managed to see them off as well.

"I feel good - and even the games against Morecambe, Stockport and Accrington, I feel like I made a positive impact."

It's been a frustrating start to life at Rovers for Morton, through no fault of his own. The striker picked up an injury during pre-season and arrived at The New Lawn on Deadline Day with that niggle still hanging over him. He only made the squad for the first time against Morecambe on September 30.

But now Morton is up to full speed and is enjoying life in Gloucestershire. The support from David Horseman and the staff and consistently playing in his preferred position are two of the main factors as to why the former West Brom forward is loving his football.

He said: "I've come into a fresh environment - and although it hasn't been going right collectively - the manager breeds confidence into everyone and believes in people. He never turns away from anyone and that's been perfect for me.

"It's been difficult, the place I've been in over the last year or so. I've been at different clubs, different environments, different styles of play. It's taken its toll on me and the injury knocked me back a lot. I was out for longer than I expected, but moments like that and wins like that make it worth it.

"Playing with Troy or either of the Matty's up front, I'm building up relationships, which I haven't had in the last year or so because I've been playing off the left or haven't been getting the minutes.

"The manager showed a desire to bring me to the club, and I want to pay him back with goals and performances."