Colchester United skipper, Tom Lapslie, has admitted that the next seven days could be a “make-or-break week” for the U’s.

The Essex club need to start winning games, if they are to bridge the seven-point gap between themselves and the top seven.

And they only have 10 games left to make a late dash for the play-offs, beginning with three quickfire fixtures at home to Yeovil (today), and away at Morecambe (on Tuesday evening) and Stevenage (next Saturday).

“It’s make-or-break this week, you could say that,” admitted Lapslie.

“We need to get at least a couple of wins from these next three games, if not win all three.

“Wins are a must for us now.

“We haven’t really set any targets, but we know that we haven’t fared too well against many of the bottom clubs. Those are the ones that we have either lost or dropped points in, even going back to last year when we lost at home to Leyton Orient (later relegated).

“But things can change and I’m sure we can beat one of these bottom teams at home.

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“This weekend is a massive game. We need to win, there’s no beating about the bush – we need to beat Yevoil.

“I’m really looking forward to these next three games in seven days. We have to focus on Yeovil, but we will be going for nine points out of nine this week.”

Lapslie was recalled to the U’s central midfield last weekend, for the 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Masnsfield Town, after sitting out a few games.

He did not feature in the U’s last home fixture, a disappointing 1-0 defeat to basement dwellers Barnet.

“I think we have a point to prove after the Barnet game,” confessed Lapslie.

“We all knew after the game that our performance was unacceptable for this club. The manner of the defeat was disappointing. We didn’t do ourselves justice – it just didn’t happen against Barnet.

“But I’m sure you will get 100% from the lads this weekend.

“On a personal level, I’ve been disappointed not to be playing for a few weeks, but I got my chance.

“I haven’t been out of the team very often, and it can sometimes be beneficial to watch a few games from the sidelines.”