COLCHESTER United boss, Joe Dunne, insists that the club’s supporters could prove the difference between staying up and suffering relegation, over the last three weeks of the season.

The Dubliner is expecting a big crowd, and a cracking atmosphere, for the visit of near-neighbours Leyton Orient tomorrow.

The O’s are four points adrift of the top six, with just four games left, so they still nurse outside hopes of sneaking into the play-offs.

By contrast, the U’s are four points clear of the drop zone, at the other end of the table, with five fixtures still to play. A good-sized crowd is therefore assured.

“Our fans have been very good this season. Everyone has been behind the team and the club,” explained Dunne.

“It will be a good atmosphere on Saturday.

“We now need everybody, and I think our fans could be the difference between staying up and going down.

“We need them to suck that ball into the net.

“We have got young players, and they thrive on positive atmospheres. You have got to remember that our fans are going through it as well. We are one whole unit. The fans are an extension of our team.”