Much of the talk at Colchester United this season has centred on the impact their academy players have had in the first team and rightly so.

The likes of Cameron James, Tom Lapslie and Sammie Szmodics have all played their part in ensuring the U’s have a chance of making the League Two play-offs, with seven games remaining.

The part Colchester’s fledgling stars have played in the last few months should not be underestimated, given the number of senior players currently sidelined due to injury.

But it was two of the club’s older statesmen who shone in their pivotal 2-1 win over Luton Town – and at opposite ends of the pitch.

Striker Chris Porter justifiably grabbed the headlines for his two-goal salvo, a brace which elevates him to the status of Colchester’s leading goalscorer with 13 goals.

And at the back, in-form George Elokobi was outstanding in helping the U’s repel Luton’s second-half revival and seal a crucial three points against one of their promotion rivals.

Colchester have a young squad and the youthful exuberance, enthusiasm and athleticism of their youngsters will undoubtedly play its part, in the final run-in.

But the influence and knowhow of their experienced players will also be vital and in Porter and Elokobi, the U’s have two players whose stellar careers speak for themselves.

Porter told the Daily Gazette last week that it was imperative they did not allow their energy levels to drop in the final weeks of the campaign and the former Sheffield United striker certainly practised what he preached with his performance against Luton.

The 33-year-old has been involved in play-off pushes before and his experience will be vital in the run-in as too will his goals.

Similarly, Elokobi is leading by example at the back and his superb performance against the Hatters was arguably one of his best yet in a U’s shirt.

How valuable it is for Colchester to have within their ranks a player who has played at the very top of the game and not only that, an individual whose positive outlook and enthusiasm is infectious, both on and off the pitch.

In their present form, the U’s will always have a chance of achieving their target of promotion with Elokobi and Porter at the spine of their team.