Jamie Devitt said breaking his 56-game Carlisle United duck was a massive weight off his shoulders.

The midfielder's winner at Colchester ended his long wait to get off the mark for the Blues.

And Devitt now hopes he can continue to be effective in front of goal for Keith Curle's team.

He scored the crucial goal in the 58th minute at the Weston Homes Community Stadium after coming off the bench at half-time.

Devitt said: "It's a big weight off my shoulders.

"It's just relief more than anything. I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself to score goals.

"That feeling of scoring a goal - you can't beat it. I was buzzing."

Devitt's goal took United back up to 14th as they continued their fine away form.

It was a third straight win on the road with a third consecutive clean-sheet.

In contrast to their recent struggles at Brunton Park, Curle's side have not conceded for 280 minutes on their travels.

And Devitt now hopes to play a more central part in United's bid for further consistency.

The ex-Morecambe man said: "I'm a confident lad whenever I'm playing, and it doesn't annoy me when I'm not scoring, but it doesn't help either.

"When I'm not in the team because I've not been scoring, I can have no complaints.

"I spoke to the manager last week and we both agreed that I need to start adding goals to my game.

"I get on really well with the manager - we have honest conversations and I know I need to start scoring more and creating more. Hopefully that starts from now.

"The gaffer knows I'm disappointed when I don't play but I don't show it when I'm around the lads, because they need the backing and support."

Curle said: "You could tell it wasn’t only relief for Jamie, but all the players enjoyed it with him too.

"They appreciate the ability he's got.

"That [goal] could now take the snatch out of some of his finishing. One thing Jamie has needed is that final touch - that goal.

"After he scored, he worked his socks off as well. He wasn’t sitting back on his laurels. That’s appreciated by the players."

Carlisle are now seeking a turnaround at home in order to consolidate their efforts away from Brunton Park.

They host Wycombe on Tuesday before the visit of Notts County on Saturday.

Devitt, 27, added: "The gaffer said we'll maybe have to go on a seven-hour bus journey before Tuesday night!

"We know it's been disappointing at home and there's a negativity at home with the fans, and that's come from us not winning games.

"But if we win on Tuesday night it can change everybody's mindset.

"I'm looking forward to it, as are the rest of the lads, and hopefully I can stay in the team, score more goals and create more chances.

"We're a confident group, we know we can win four or five games on the bounce and climb up that table."