COLCHESTER United boss John McGreal insists neither he or his players will be feeling sorry for themselves in light of the club’s ten-game win-less run.

The U’s poor form continued with a 2-1 defeat at home to Chesterfield, in the FA Cup on Saturday.

It means they have not tasted victory since seeing off Blackpool 3-2 in a League Two clash on September 10.

Now they switch their attention to tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at home to Charlton Athletic, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And despite Colchester already being out of the competition, McGreal has vowed to take it seriously and is hoping it produces the victory he and his squad are craving.

“I’m definitely developing a thick skin after what’s gone on of late, with the injuries and other things,” said the club’s head coach.

“We’ve had a lot of digs but there’s no way in the world I’ll be feeling sorry for myself and I won’t let the players do that either.

“Over the last couple of months, some individuals are performing really well but others are making the wrong decisions at the wrong times, putting us on the backfoot when we’re looking to get into forward positions.

“It’s about decision-making and taking responsibility and being positive trying to move forward – that’s all we ask of them.

“We have to stay positive but we’ll see what Tuesday brings.

“We need this win for the football club.

“I think you could see that the winless run was preying on the minds of some of the players, especially in the first half (against Chesterfield).

“You could definitely see that and hopefully that will change.”

Lloyd Doyley and Chris Porter both missed out due to injury at the weekend but Tom Lapslie was on the bench against Chesterfield, as was Frankie Kent.

Both Lapslie and Kent could start tonight, as might loan duo Glen Kamara and Tarique Fosu.

“We have to go and try and win a game of football,” said McGreal.

“We try and win every game, which we haven’t done of late, but we’ll be trying to stop the slide.

“There will be changes to the team and if those who come in perform well, who knows for Saturday?

“I think that’s the position we’re in – no-one is guaranteed a place at this moment because we’re not winning games of football.”

On Lapslie, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, McGreal added: “Tom’s only had 60 minutes of football in seven weeks.

“It was a tough call to put him on the bench against Chesterfield and it will be how training goes in the next 48 hours or so as to whether he features on Tuesday.”