Club captain Magnus Okuonghae admits it is imperative Colchester United’s players stick together to turn around their season.

And the sidelined defender is confident a good result at Yeovil Town this weekend can be the start of a positive run.

Colchester lie five points adrift of safety in League One, after tumbling to five successive league defeats.

They have won only one of their last seven league games and now face a crucial run of three matches against teams just above them in the table.

Okuonghae, currently sidelined with an Achilles injury which will keep him out for the rest of the season, is confident that the U’s arresting their slide.

But the powerful centre-back says that in order to do so, it is essential that the club’s players remain united.

Okuonghae said: “It’s a case of sticking together as a squad at times like this.

“When you’re going through a sticky patch, it’s difficult for everyone including the supporters.

“When you have a change of manager, things don’t always click and sustain straight away.

“Ideas have to be put across and a manager has to assess his squad.

“Players had to adapt and it’s tough but I definitely think we have a squad more than capable of staying in the division.

“There’s still half the season to go and plenty of games to play for.”

Colchester enjoyed a good run of form immediately after Tony Humes took over in September.

After failing to win any of their opening six matches, the U’s lost only two of their first ten league games under Humes’ management.

Okuonghae feels that one win can act as a springboard for a similar kind of run, heading into the new year.

“Winning breeds confidence,” added Okuonghae, who has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles against Coventry City, last month.

“It was disappointing not to kick on from the FA Cup performance and result against Peterborough.

“But if we can get a positive result at Yeovil this weekend, we can use it to move on to more good results.

“It’s a very important time for us this month and it’s no secret that these games are vital.

“It’s very tight down there and anyone who can string a run together can move into a position to build from and that’s the focus right now.

“But I think the boys will have the right attitude and will apply themselves well on Saturday.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.