BRENNAN Dickenson has appealed for Colchester United supporters to stay behind them after their League Two play-offs were dealt another blow.

The U’s lie two points off the top seven with just five games remaining, following their 2-0 loss at home to Oldham Athletic.

Colchester have lost four of their last five matches but winger Dickenson has appealed for everyone to stick together, in the final run-in.

Dickenson said: “We have to believe in ourselves – every single one of us, from the players to the staff and especially the fans.

“We keep bouncing back and that’s what we have to do.

“We have to take those positives and push them into every game.

“We need the fans to stick behind us as much as possible.

“I know it (the Oldham defeat) was frustrating for them but it’s also frustrating for us as well.

“As long as they stick by us, we’ll try and get it right.”

Colchester were left with a mountain to climb against Oldham, after goals from Alex Iacovitti and Callum Lang gave the visitors a two-goal lead after 13 minutes.

The U’s rallied in the second half, with Dickenson and fellow substitutes Frank Nouble and Mikael Mandron impressing after coming off the bench.

“To go 2-0 down so quickly isn’t great,” said former Brighton attacker Dickenson.

“But the boys came out well in the second half and when the subs came on, they did really as well.

“You could see that we put a lot of effort in to the second half but unfortunately, it wasn’t our day.

“You get those days when things don’t quite fall for you and as well as that, it’s us being clinical in the final third and perhaps we weren’t but we try and take some positives from the game and push on to next week.”

Dickenson is hoping for a recall to Colchester’s starting line-up for their game at Bury this weekend, following his display in the final 20 minutes against Oldham.

The 26-year-old was a constant threat to the Latics defence and was unlucky not to score, particularly when keeper Dan Iversen pushed away his fine free-kick late on.

“I felt like I came on and had a positive effect,” added Dickenson.

“It’s quite difficult to come on in games like that but you just have to dig in and do what we can.

“If the manager decides to pick me then I’ll be ready for the task.”