Kevin Keen believes Colchester United need to secure around 30 more points if they are to stay in League One.

The U’s boss says his side may have to win the equivalent of ten more games - half of their remaining matches - between now and the end of the season to reach 50 points and get out of trouble, following their home defeat against Sheffield United.

Colchester conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 to the Blades at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, extending their run without a league victory to 12 matches.

And with the U’s five points adrift of safety, boss Keen is clear on what his side need to do between now and the end of the season.

Keen said: “We have 20 games left and we have to get somewhere around 30 points, to get in and around that 50-point mark.

“We deserved more (against Sheffield United) but we can’t keep saying that.

“At some stage, we have to pull the cat out of the bag and win a game but I’m still very confident.

“We just need to tighten up and find a little bit of magic and we’ll start winning games.”

Colchester play host to fellow strugglers Fleetwood Town at the Community Stadium, tomorrow night.

For five pages of U's coverage, see Monday's Daily Gazette.