Colchester United boss, Joe Dunne, believes that his team are at their best when trying to overhaul a team just above them in the league.

And tomorrow provides just such a scenario, with Oldham Athletic the visitors to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The Latics are just one point above the U’s, in the League One table, so a win tomorrow would see Dunne’s men leapfrog their visitors into the relative safety of lower mid-table.

More importantly, it would put even more breathing space between themselves and the bottom four.

“This week gives us a chance to chase somebody, and we haven’t done that for a while,” said Dunne.

“Chasing somebody ahead of us – I think we are always good then, when there is a team slightly above us that we need to rein back in.

“Last week’s win (3-2 at bottom club Stevenage) was just another win, on our way to staying in the league. But there are still (four) games to go.

“My job is now to try and make them win again this week. And we have to do it again, because we are not anywhere near safe yet.

“Last weekend cancels out another game, and every point is precious now,” added Dunne.

The win at Stevenage, the U’s first in six games, was achieved without both recognised full-backs – skipper Brian Wilson was ill, and left-back Ryan Dickson injured.

The experienced David Wright filled in at right-back, until he suffered a head injury before the break which left him concussed and unable to continue.

By contrast, Dunne had turned to the inexperienced Alex Wynter to deputise at left-back, on what was the Crystal Palace loanee’s full League debut.

And Wynter did not let his manager down. In fact, the 20-year-old produced a very mature display, even though he is more at home as a centre-half and had made his debut as a substitute at right-back the previous week.

“Alex (Wynter) looked like he had been playing there all his life,” enthused Dunne. “I was very pleased with his performance on Saturday.

“He did exceptionally well on his full debut, against a very difficult opponent. The good thing about him is that he can play all the way along the back four.

“It’s a step in the right direction in his career, and another career I am trying to help along.”

Both Wilson and Dickson are available again, for tomorrow’s test, as is midfielder Craig Eastmond, who has missed the last two matches through suspension. David Wright faces a late fitness test after suffering concussion at Stevenage.