It’s been a case of so near, yet so far for Colchester during the last seven games, but manager John McGreal is content with life at the U’s, despite that.

Last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Morecambe represented another two points dropped and extended Colchester’s winless streak to seven games.

They face a daunting test tomorrow to address that run, when they travel to top-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle – the Pilgrims are four points clear at the top having won 10 of their last 12 League Two games.

However, as a player, McGreal was fearless competitor and seems to be adopting the same attitude as a manager.

“We have not been in this division for 20 years or so and there’s a reason for that,” said McGreal.

“I want to keep that positivity right through.

“I know Plymouth are a good team and they have done exceptionally well – they are a tough team to beat – but over the last seven games we have been so close (to a win) and it would be great to win against a good team, away from home.”

He added: “I have been really buoyed by the division.

“I didn’t have any expectations coming into League Two, but after 14 games, the teams at the bottom have been of a good standard with a good philosophy, week in, week out.

“The top teams are strong, but on any given day, any team can cause trouble to the top teams.

The U’s were 13 minutes away from gaining victory last Saturday, but had to settle for a draw in the end.

“Looking back at Saturday’s game the boys were frustrated, but they have come in this week and training has been excellent,” McGreal enthused.

“They are in excellent spirits and so they should be as we have been playing well.”

Meanwhile, McGreal says on-loan Arsenal midfielder Glen Kamara may have to bide his time for a start, the Finland Under-21 international having been on the periphery since joining the U’s in August.

“There has not really been much wrong with the performances,” explained McGreal.

“You ask yourself “have the other boys done themselves an injustice in midfield?’

“They haven’t really so it’s been tough for Glen but, as Alex (Wynter) has proved, if you take the opportunity that is there, you will be in for the next game.”