Drey Wright has revealed that players who have been “bottling up” their feelings, as regards Colchester United’s recent poor run, have all had their say this week, ahead of this afternoon’s FA Cup first round home tie against League One strugglers Chesterfield.

The U’s are without a win in nine matches, in all competitions, following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at league leaders Plymouth.

Flying winger Wright has been virtually ever-present this season, and he recognises the importance of the U’s regaining their winning touch, even without the reward of league points up for grabs this weekend.

“We need a win, we all know that,” confessed Wright.

“Preferably, that will come in the next game. We know how well we are playing in ourselves, but we need that win to boost our confidence.

“If we can get that this weekend, in the Cup, then we can take all that into the league.

“To be honest, I don’t really know what’s been missing, in recent weeks. We’ve been creating chances, but I guess that other teams have been taking their chances, and we have not.

“We had a big discussion after the (Plymouth) game last weekend, and again at training on Monday morning.

“A lot of the more experienced players had their say, while some of the younger lads also put their views across.

“Honesty was the main thing that came out of these discussions. Some players may have been bottling things up, so hopefully all-in-all it was a very positive thing.

“I see this Saturday as a good opportunity to get that win.

Academy product Wright made his senior debut more than four years ago, back on August 14, 2012, in a League Cup tie at Yeovil.

The 21-year-old Londoner, despite serious knee injuries which effectively kept him out of action for the best part of two years, has chalked up 64 league appearances, and 72 in all competitions.

However, incredibly the winger has still not made his debut in the FA Cup – his eight cup outings to date have been in the League Cup (three games) and Trophy (five games).

“I’m just pleased to be playing regular football again,” said Wright.

“I had missed so much football before, so it’s nice to be a regular in the team this season, although I never take anything for granted.

“Hopefully, I’m involved again this weekend, because I really want to make my first appearance in the FA Cup.

“In previous years, I have been prevented from playing in the Cup, either due to injury or due to not being selected in the squad.

“I always watched the FA Cup when I was growing up, and it’s the one domestic competition that I have not yet played in.

“Therefore it will be a nice milestone, if I get a chance to play against Chesterfield.

“I don’t think we have anything to fear. Chesterfield might be a division above us, but they have been struggling this season, and we were playing against them at the same level only last year.

“Some of the lads might also benefit from not having the pressure of trying to get league points.”