Colchester United boss John McGreal described today’s terrific 4-2 win at Stevenage as a “late Christmas cracker.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Brennan Dickenson scores the opening goal for Colchester at StevenageBrennan Dickenson scores the opening goal for Colchester at Stevenage (Image: Pagepix Ltd.07976 935738)

The U’s lost an early 2-0 lead, but came back to secure a deserved victory, and so make it 16 points from a possible 18 in their last six matches.

Brennan Dickenson and Kurtis Guthrie (penalty) both scored inside the first 20 minutes, but the U’s lead had been wiped out by early in the second half, by goals from strikers Ben Kennedy and Matt Godden.

However, substitutes Chris Porter (81) and Tarique Fosu (90+2) obliged with clinical late strikes.

“We had a great start, and we played with such purpose to get 2-0 up,” enthused McGreal.

“We played some excellent stuff, but then fell asleep a little and let them back in it.

“However, the important thing was that we didn’t panic. We changed the formation to 4-3-3 and got our rewards. The players kept calm.

“Their keeper (Jamie Jones) had a point to prove, having played for the club (Colchester) last season, and he made some great saves, otherwise we might have scored five or six goals.

“But we showed great character to go on and win the game.

“It was a real late Christmas cracker, and hopefully the fans are getting their money’s worth at the moment” added McGreal.

The Us return to action with a home match against Cheltenham Town on Monday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).