Five talking points from Colchester United's win over Cheltenham Town

Hot shots

HAD Colchester United’s goals been shown on Match of the Day on Saturday night, they surely would not have looked out of place.

Indeed, the quality of their three strikes against Cheltenham Town – particularly the individual efforts scored by Kane Vincent-Young and Frank Nouble – were fit to grace any league.

Abo Eisa’s goal might have been a relative tap-in but it was perfectly crafted by Courtney Senior, who skill and trickery laid it on a plate for the Shrewsbury Town loanee.

Colchester’s goals against Cheltenham follow hot on the heels of four impressive strikes at Northampton Town and seven goals in two matches shows just how clinical they are.

Perfect day

COLCHESTER United's players might not be mentioning the promotion word at the moment - but their push for a League One return is firmly on track.

Having found themselves outside of the play-off places heading into their game against Cheltenham Town, the U’s now lie fourth in League Two thanks to two barnstorming victories.

The back-to-back wins have done their goal difference no harm whatsoever and that could prove to be crucial, come the end of the season.

Pleasingly, results elsewhere also went in Colchester’s favour, with promotion rivals Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Forest Green Rovers, Carlisle United, Exeter City, MK Dons and Stevenage all dropping points.

First impressions

THE rapid impact Colchester United’s new signings have had has been clear for all to see.

Abo Eisa capped his first start for the U’s with a goal and another fine performance, to follow up his excellent debut display at Shrewsbury Town.

And Ben Stevenson has slotted into central midfield like he has never been away, after the former Colchester loanee joined them on a permanent basis from Wolves.

Loan signing Callum Roberts did not make an appearance off the bench against Cheltenham but it is clear that the trio’s addition has helped everyone in the squad raise their game.

“I think it’s taken everything up a notch, which is just what we needed,” commented Kane Vincent-Young after the Cheltenham win.

Injury woe

BRANDON Comley did not make Colchester United’s substitutes bench against Cheltenham Town, such was the quality of John McGreal’s options at the weekend.

But the former QPR midfielder may well be required against Macclesfield Town in the U’s next game, after both Harry Pell and Tom Lapslie limped out of the 3-0 win.

Pell pulled up with a hamstring problem in the opening minutes of the victory while his replacement Lapslie suffered a cut to his foot and was take off with six minutes remaining, despite wanting to stay on.

Both have been consistent performers for John McGreal this season and their injuries took a little of the shine off Colchester’s win.

Tightening up

MUCH of the talk over the last couple of games has been on Colchester United’s goalscoring potency.

But it should not be forgotten also that they have now kept back-to-back clean sheets.

They have tightened up at the back, having shipped five goals in the two games prior to that against Crewe Alexandra and Mansfield Town.

Frankie Kent and Kane Vincent-Young have certainly played their part in helping to shore things up, having both returned from injury.