Josh Thompson is confident Colchester United can pull away from trouble – providing they continue to battle like they did at Bournemouth.

The U’s were beaten 1-0 at Dean Court to slide to their fourth successive defeat but their rejuvenated second-half display offered hope that they can pull away from danger.

Colchester find themselves two points above the League One relegation zone, ahead of their vital game at fellow strugglers Walsall, this weekend.

But Thompson, who impressed on his first-ever start for the U’s, believes their showing against in-form Bournemouth proves that they are willing to fight to improve their league position.

Thompson said: “Everyone is gutted that we’ve lost the game but if anything, every game that is lost makes everyone hungrier to win.

“When you have that sort of atmosphere in training all week, only positives can come out of it."

For the full story and a match report, pictures and more reaction to Colchester's game with Bournemouth, see Monday's Gazette.