Tony Humes wants Colchester United’s spirited display against Reading to set the standard for the rest of the season.

The U’s pushed their Championship opponents all their way before eventually losing 1-0 after extra-time, in the Captial One Cup first-round clash.

Chris Gunter’s 115th-minute winner eventually put paid to Colchester’s brave challenge - but U’s boss Humes was pleased with their efforts.

He said: “I think the players can take an awful lot of credit out of that performance.

“I was really pleased with the character that we showed.

“We showed at the end of last season that there’s a good team spirit and character there and they stick together.

“We’re disappointed but there were so many good things to come from it and hopefully, it sets the standard for the season.

“We have to have those kind of performances week in, week out.

“The players have got to take an awful lot of confidence and belief from it and we have to take a massive positive from the fact that we competed with a Championship team.

“It’s our job to pick them up and get them ready for Peterborough on Saturday, which is going to be another tough game.

“The extra-time doesn’t help but the players have got to be professional and look after themselves in the next few days and we’ll prepare them in the right way.

“It was disappointing to lose but we have to move on and take the positives from it.”

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