DESPITE Saturday’s home defeat by Crewe, manager Joe Dunne is hoping for a similar performance from his Colchester United team at Coventry tonight.

“Over the last few games, we have done really, really well,” insisted Dunne.

“We were unlucky against Crewe, but I was pleased with the performance. Everyone deserved a pat on the back, and we now go again at Coventry.

“We are into the last nine games, and you keep going until the end, whatever the other teams do.

“Coventry is a tough one. We missed an opportunity on Saturday, it’s another game chalked off, so we have to go and get something.”

The U’s will again be without the strike-force duo of Jabo Ibehre (suspended) and Freddie Sears (knee injury), while defender Tom Eastman is struggling with a twisted ankle.

But left-back Bradley Garmston should return after injury, and Charlton loanee striker Michael Smith might be handed his first U’s start.