Colchester United defender, Tom Eastman, believes that the U’s are now showing “promotion-winning form.”

Eastman marked his 250th appearance for the U’s, in all competitions, by nodding home his first goal of the season in last Saturday’s 3-1 home win over Crewe Alexandra.

It was the 26-year-old’s 12th goal for the Essex club, since his switch from Ipswich Town during the summer of 2011.

“I haven’t had too many opportunities to score this season,” explained Eastman.

“But I was happy to get one on Saturday, and obviously would like to score more.”

“Brandon (Comley) drilled it in from near the corner. I thought my (initial) shot was going in when it flicked across the bar, but it sat up lovely and I put it in.

“We have now taken 14 points from our last seven games, so we are definitely building up momentum.

“An average of two points per game is promotion-winning form, so we need to keep that going.

“If we can get the boys back in who are injured, and avoid other injuries, then there is no reason why we can’t do that,” added Eastman, in terms of promotion.

Just one defeat in those last seven league games, at home to Carlisle, has seen John McGreal’s men rise from 21st to 13th in the League Two table.

“It’s a good sign that we managed to come back from a goal down to win, the first time since December, which is a long time,” said Eastman.

A brace from Mikael Mandron, plus Eastman’s equaliser, saw the U’s wipe out Jordan Bowery’s opener for Crewe, so registering the first comeback win since a 2-1 success over Notts County last December.

Eastman continued: “We weren’t really on form during the first half, and the equaliser for us in the first half was for me a massive game-changer. It was a big turning point in the game, scoring just before half-time.

“It gave us a clean slate and we pretty much dominated the game in the second half.”

The U’s have a break from league action when they entertain Oxford City in an FA Cup first round tie this Saturday.

“It’s a non-league side coming here, so it will be a tough game. They are an unknown quantity, but we are at home,” added Eastman.