McGreal insists the U’s still have a good chance of making top seven
U's boss, John McGreal, pictured during the recent home defeat to leaders Accrington Stanley, who have since been promoted to League One. Picture: STEVE WALLER - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
Colchester United boss, John McGreal, believes that his side “still have one hell of a chance” of making the League Two play-offs, despite their current position four points off the pace.
McGreal admits that the U’s play-off chances remain “distant,” but a strong finish to the season could see them challenge for the last play-off berth.
Their difficult run-in begins with today’s visit of fifth-placed Notts County, with their final home game against Mansfield (ninth) sandwiched between trips to Lincoln City (sixth) and Exeter City (fourth).
“Our fantastic run of three wins put us back in it, while other teams around us have been scrapping around for results,” explained McGreal.
“We have got possibly the hardest run-in of all the teams up there, but we have four big games left, all against big teams who are above us.
“The play-offs are still very distant, yes, but we still have a hell of chance.
“Results in midweek were not bad (Mansfield and Swindon could only draw), and so we will just be giving it a go. The three wins in a row (over Stevenage, Luton and Forest Green Rovers) were massive for us. They gave us a shot in the arm.”
- ‘It’s a big test for us’ – McGreal
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The U’s winning streak came to an end with last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to league leaders Accrington Stanley, although McGreal still took heart from his side’s display.
“Last weekend was a tight game, against a top-of-the-table team, and we did well for large chunks of that game,” said McGreal.
“We traded punches with Accrington, and were possibly the better team,
“Their goal came against the run of play, and we can certainly take a lot of confidence from that game, in terms of the performance if not the result.
“We need to get the goal, when we are on top in matches, because more than likely one goal is enough to win it,” added McGreal.
The U’s could name an unchanged side, for the third game in a row, unless Brennan Dickenson recovers from a dead leg which has kept him out of the last couple of matches, at Forest Green and against Accrington.
Midfielder Tom Lapslie has also missed the last two matches, with a tweaked hamstring, although he is unlikely to be passed fit.
