Colchester United may have stumbled a little of late, with defeats at Port Vale and by Preston, and a draw at Swindon, but Tom Eastman is confident that the points will start to flow again soon.

Eastman insists that the relegation threat, which hung over the club throughout last season, should be avoided this term.

And he is hoping for a change of luck against visiting Sheffield United tonight.

“Game by game, we were struggling last season, just trying to pick up points where we could,” explained Eastman.

“But this season we are looking like we should be picking up points in most games.

“Hopefully, we can get the rub of the green against Sheffield United.

“It’s another massive club coming down, probably the biggest in the league.

“They’ve been doing well recently, but if we perform like we did against Preston, then we can definitely compete.

“Everyone played well, against a strong team (Preston) against a club right up there.

“I thought we were just as good as them, and I think it’s a game we didn’t deserve to lose. If we do everything that we did on Saturday, then I’m sure we will score more goals, and stop the silly goals.

“We can all take heart from that game, and come back with confidence against Sheffield United.

“We will keep our heads up and keep going,” added Eastman.

Ex-Ipswich Town defender Eastman will again partner Magnus Okuonghae in the heart of defence this evening.

It will be the 22-year-old’s 23rd outing of the season, and his 82nd in a Colchester shirt. He celebrated his 100th career appearance in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Preston.