Chris Porter feels sorry for his defensive team-mates, despite Colchester United’s terrible record of conceding goals.

Club skipper Porter is pushing for a return to the starting line-up tonight, when bottom club Crewe are the visitors to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The 31-year-old scored in the U’s dismal 4-1 defeat at Millwall on Saturday, after coming on as a half-time substitute, and he will be looking to make an even bigger impact this evening.

However, it is at the other end of the pitch where the U’s chief problems have arisen, with 41 goals conceded in their first 18 league games.

The U’s are certainly good value, in terms of entertainment – their 21 league and cup games to date have featured a remarkable 82 goals.

Unfortunately, 47 of these goals have ended up in the wrong net, with the U’s celebrating 35 goals at the other end.

“You’ve got to feel sorry for the defenders, because they’re the ones getting the stick for conceding all the time,” explained Porter.

“The team has to defend from the front, and be solid as a unit, so I do feel sorry for the defenders, because they are getting bombarded. But it’s not just down to them at the end of the day.

“We are a bunch of men, so we have discussions at the end of a game. When you are not happy with a certain member of your team, you will tell them.

“Obviously they will also tell you back about what they think, and then sometimes arguments break out. But that’s all because people care.

“If no one cared, then no one would say anything,” added Porter.

Despite their woeful defensive record, which is easily the worst in the Football League, Porter insists that the U’s are a match for any team, on their day.

Tony Humes’ men have lost six of their last eight league matches, and managed just four points during that period, but they will be hoping to stop the rot tonight against a Crewe team who have only scored twice in their last seven outings.

“We’re still a good side,” continued Porter.

“I am a firm believer that if everyone gives 100%, every game is there for the taking in this league.

“When we play on our day, and are solid, we’ll beat any team in the division.”