It is difficult to think of a single time over the last eight and a half years that there has been so much vibrancy and positivity at the Weston Homes Community Stadium – both on and off the pitch.

Colchester United’s residency at the venue has not always been a harmonious one since they moved there in 2008 but it certainly is now.

The U’s superb form, which has seen them rapidly go from languishing in the relegation zone to residing in the play-off positions in little more than six weeks, has created a buzz not felt before at the Community Stadium.

Not since the U’s record-breaking penultimate season at Layer Road has there been such a feel-good factor around the club, matched by players, staff and supporters alike.

That inaugural Championship campaign was a memorable one; even after recording five successive wins, the current Colchester side will go a long way to emulating that given the level in which it was achieved.

Nevertheless, that are undoubtedly similarities between the two; the vivid connection between players and fans, the team spirit that exists within the squad, the emergence of cult heroes like Craig Slater, Kurtis Guthrie and of course long-term favourite, George Elokobi and the feeling of momentum that winning football matches offers.

After the dark days of last season and the years of struggle in League One that preceded it, how refreshing it is to see a Colchester side sweeping aside opponents the way John McGreal’s in-form team are currently doing.

Having secured four successive home wins for the first time since Aidy Boothroyd’s side achieved the feat in the 2009-10 season, it is a shame that the U’s now do not have another game at the Community Stadium for more than a month.

The postponement of their game against old foes Wycombe Wanderers on January 28 owing to the Chairboys’ FA Cup commitments is a pity, given not only Colchester’s electric form but also that of their opponents - it would have been a mouth-watering clash.

However, this U’s side have shown that are adept at winning home and away over recent weeks.

And while Graham Westley’s Newport County side will present a different challenge this weekend, Colchester’s buoyant players must be feeling they can overcome any obstacle in their way at present.