COLCHESTER United boss John Ward does NOT believe there is a “big gulf” between the top six and the rest of the teams in League One.

COLCHESTER United boss John Ward does NOT believe there is a “big gulf” between the top six and the rest of the teams in League One.

The U’s have only lost five league games this season, and it’s no coincidence that those defeats have all been to the top five.

But although his U’s side were hammered 5-1 at home in their last outing, against high-flying MK Dons, Ward does not think his team are far off the pace.

“I don’t think there is a big gulf between us and the top six,” insisted Ward.

“We only lost by the odd goal at Huddersfield (3-2), and we won at Preston (4-2).

“MK Dons took their chances against us last weekend, but we know that we can do better than that.”

The U’s have slipped to 14th in the table, and this weekend they face a long trip to fellow mid-table outfit Carlisle United, one of Ward’s former clubs.

Ward does admit, though, that his squad’s lack of resources is a factor in their current position.

“We had two tough games at Sheffield, but you’re talking about teams who get 20,000-odd crowds each week,” continued Ward.

“It takes us four or five games to get that much here. That’s how it is – it’s not a grumble, just a fact of life.

“And it will probably get tougher, but we are not packing it in,” added Ward.

The U’s will welcome back centre-half Magnus Okuonghae for the trip to Carlisle. The ex-Dagenham & Redbridge defender was suspended for the Dons’ clash, after picking up five bookings.