Sean Murray’s first away game for Colchester United ended prematurely with a red card, but he is ready to make amends with his second appearance on the road at Grimsby Town this evening.
Midfielder Murray has already put the sending-off in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool, on his U’s debut, out of his mind.
The 23-year-old has responded with impressive displays in the back-to-back home victories over Wycombe (1-0) and Hartlepool (2-1), and he will be looking to improve still further at Blundell Park this evening.
“I’ve forgotten about that tackle now,” insisted Murray, who saw red for a late challenge on Jim McAlister at Blackpool.
“It’s like I’ve had a fresh start from last Tuesday (against Wycombe), and hopefully I can keep improving.
“We can now look forward. Every game is a massive, but in a different sort of way to my previous club Swindon, where we were at the wrong end of the table.”
Murray, recruited from Swindon before the transfer window closed last month, is relishing his role as an attacking midfielder.
“I’ve settled into the role. The staff have told me that – ‘we need to get you in good positions and get you on the ball’ – which means being attack-minded,” continued Murray.
“I’ve been playing a lot of roles all over the midfield and out wide recently, but personally that’s where I enjoy playing. It’s where I can be at my most dangerous.”
The U’s are currently in seventh spot, the last play-off berth, although competition remains intense with just nine points separating sixth-placed Exeter from 16th-placed Crawley.
Tonight’s hosts, Grimsby, are six points behind the U’s in 14th spot.
John McGreal’s men have been plagued by a terrible run of injuries, so it’s been a terrific effort to overcome such setbacks and maintain a promotion push – they have lost just three of their last 16 fixtures, since winning 3-0 at Cheltenham on November 22.
“The injured players are all working and all fighting to get back before the end of the season, because we will need everyone,” insisted Murray.
“It’s a massive credit to every one at the club that we are in the top seven, despite all the injuries.
“This will be my first away game since Blackpool, and I’m feeling as fit as a fiddle.”
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