A welcome win

It might ultimately not be enough to help their play-off prospects.

But Colchester United’s 1-0 win at Stevenage was certainly most welcome.

After a five-game winless streak, with only one goal scored in that period, the victory at the Lamex Stadium was just what the doctor ordered.

Mikael Mandron’s well-taken goal proved the difference between the two sides but in truth the U’s margin of victory was rather flattering for their opponents, such was the dominance of John McGreal’s side.

The key now is for them to build on the win, starting with the visit of league leaders Luton Town on Good Friday.

Mika's the man

Mikael Mandron has sometimes divided opinion among Colchester United supporters, since joining them from Wigan Athletic last summer.

But the Frenchman’s hard work and committed performances have left a suitable impression on most this season, which is why he has been a regular starter under John McGreal.

Mandron took his goal extremely well at Stevenage, a strike that took him to ten goals for the season.

Much like the legendary Ian Rush in his pomp at Liverpool, the U’s know that when Mandron scores they do not lose; in fact, they have won eight and drawn one of the nine games in which he has netted.

Long may that record continue.

A case for the defence

Prior to winning at Stevenage this weekend, Colchester United had struggled for points in League Two, over recent weeks.

But while goals had been hard to come by in that time, something that has perhaps gone unnoticed is the defensive solidity they have shown.

The 1-0 win at the Lamex Stadium was the U’s second successive clean sheet and they have conceded only nine goals in their last 11 matches.

Unfortunately, those impressive defensive performances have not been matched by goals at the other end which is why Colchester find themselves eight points off the play-off positions but their form at the back of late has been encouraging.

Guthrie gone?

For the second successive game, there was no place in the Colchester United squad for Kurtis Guthrie.

John McGreal opted to leave the fiery striker out again, following his stormy appearance against Yeovil Town seven days earlier when he departed straight down the tunnel after being substituted and was barracked by sections of the U’s crowd, having earlier been involved in a squabble over who should take a penalty.

Stranger things have happened in football but with Guthrie’s contract due to expire in the summer, it is hard to envisage the striker pulling on a Colchester shirt again between now and the end of the season.

If that is so, it will be a sad end to a U’s career for a player who excelled for them last season and has undoubted skill and talent.

Fans' voice to be heard

Colchester United hold their annual fans forum on Tuesday night and it should be an interesting affair.

U's season-ticket holders will be able to put their points to chairman Robbie Cowling, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

It will be a chance for fans to air their views, congratulating the club on the things they do well and also potentially raising any concerns they have about the future, with the U’s destined for a third successive season in the fourth tier.

It is always healthy at any football club for supporters’ voices to be heard and Tuesday night will be no different.