Ian Henderson stressed it is vital Colchester United’s players keep their belief – despite three successive defeats.

The U’s were beaten 3-2 at Crewe Alexandra, a result that followed hot on the heels of them losing to Notts County and Chelmsford City, in the FA Cup.

After making a flying start under boss Joe Dunne, the U’s have now gone four games without a win.

But Henderson insisted it is imperative that they remain together this week, as they bid to rediscover the kind of form that saw them take 15 points from a possible 18 in Dunne’s opening weeks in charge. Henderson said: “The belief is still there and if we lose that, there’s no point in going out there.

“We’re professionals and we’ve got to stay patient playing the style of football the manager wants us to play.

“It’s been a disappointing week but this is the kind of time when you challenge yourself as an individual and as a team and we have to stick together.

“I know the team will be back on the training ground today, working to a high intensity.”

See Monday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U's defeat at Crewe Alexandra.