Town striker Joe Taylor scored his sixth goal of the season on Saturday, after U’s boss Ben Garner admitted the Hatters frontman is ‘learning very rapidly’ about refereeing standards during his loan term with the League Two club.

The 20-year-old moved to the JobServe Community Stadium at the start of the season because Luton Town manager Rob Edwards wanted him to obtain some first-team experience.

He has also started all six of the U’s fourth-tier games, as well as their Carabao Cup fixture with Cardiff City, albeit he was taken out midway through the second half against both Gillingham and Walsall lately, when he had been booked and was removed by Garner before being sent off.

“We don’t want to take away Joe’s passion and love of the game,” the United manager told the Colchester Gazette of a player who had only made one senior start previous to joining.

“It’s just a little education.”

“He has to get used to the officiating at this level, how it works, and some of the new rules, and we’re all adjusting to that.”

“In the last two games, it’s gotten to the point where there’s been a risk of a red card, and he’s had to be taken off for his own good.”

“Joe is constantly learning. He hasn’t played much senior football, so he’ll be learning quickly.

“He’s demonstrated what he’s capable of doing for us, and all we have to do now is keep working with him and be patient.”

“I think he’s a very strong signing who will do well for us, but it’s our job to educate and develop him at the same time.”

Taylor avoided controversy at the weekend, starting against Tranmere Rovers alongside recent signing, ex-Luton midfielder Cameron McGeehan.

After only 11 minutes, he put his side ahead when he was sent clear through by another ex-Hatter, Arthur Read, and beat Luke McGee with an impudent finish.

McGee denied the attacker a second goal, and his legs prevented him from making it 2-0 after the break.

With seven minutes remaining, he went off again, but this time it was a tactical switch, as Brad Ihionvien clinched the victory from close range.