Just as points make prizes, Colchester United striker Clive Platt knows chances make goals.

Ahead of tonight’s trip to Lowestoft Town, the U’s front man is encouraged by what he has seen from the opportunities that they have been creating in their pre-season outings so far.

He said: “We have a lot of stats men at the club and if you look at the statistics, you see it takes a lot of crosses and shots to create a goal across the division.

“I think that was where we lacked rather than blaming any striker or any positional runs.

“It was more through lack of opportunities last year.”

For more on this story and all of the latest U’s news, see today’s Gazette.