Colchester United head coach John McGreal says his players deserve plenty of praise after they won 3-2 at Swindon Town tonight to move up to fifth in League Two.

The U's moved into the play-off places, after goals from Sammie Szmodics, Mikael Mandron and Frankie Kent gave them an important victory at the County Ground.

McGreal said: "It was a terrific performance and the boys deserve all the credit they get for what they've done.

"We've taken nine points out of 12 against Lincoln, Notts County, Exeter and now Swindon and it's a great return.

"Their first goal came out of nothing but the boys bounced back and got a great goal just before half-time.

"Credit to our boys in the second half, because that goal definitely gave us a shot in the arm because I thought we came out and bossed it.

"It was disappointing that we conceded from a couple of set pieces and I didn't see them scoring from outfield play, to be fair.

"But when they scored we seemed to show a composure and an age really, with a lot of young boys out there who kept possession in tight areas.

"At times, it was enjoyable watching play because there were some outstanding performances out there tonight.

"I said to them before the match and even afterwards that it's a good time to come and play Swindon, who are a big club in our league, because they'll definitely bounce back to form.

"Of late they've had a bit of a blip and we've had our one at the beginning of the season."

McGreal also had special praise for Colchester's fans, who gave their team superb backing throughout the 90 minutes.

He added: "I'm made up for the fans - even when our boys were warming up you could hear them and they were terrific."