ALEX Gilbey believes Colchester United’s mini-break between fixtures has left them reinvigorated ahead of their crucial run-in.

The U’s play for the first time in nearly a fortnight today when they head to Port Vale in search of three precious points, to aid their survival battle.

Tony Humes’ side lie six points adrift of safety in League One ahead of their trip to Vale Park, which kicks off a vital Easter weekend for Colchester.

The U’s also host Barnsley on Easter Monday and midfielder Gilbey feels their gap between games has helped revitalise the squad.

Gilbey said: “The two weeks have done us the world of good and training has been sharp.

“There’s a pride about it and the boys have been at it – it’s been a good blow.

“Where we’ve had time off, everyone is so excited to get back out there again.

“Two games in four days is what we needed to take a step back and we’re looking forward to it.

“When you’re playing games on a regular basis, you don’t have any point to take a step back and look.

“Now we’ve had a couple of weeks and it makes you look at the bigger picture. It makes you realise exactly how much it does mean and how much it matters.

“We now have eight games in a month and the games are coming thick and fast.”

Colchester travel to Port Vale looking to build on their last two performances, where they took four points from a possible six.

The U’s were denied back-to-back wins by a stoppage-time equaliser at Gillingham and Gilbey admits they cannot afford to lose against the Valiants today.

“I think we need a minimum of four points over the Easter weekend,” said Gilbey, who took part in an autograph-signing session with team-mates David Fox and Frankie Kent on Wednesday, as part of Junior U’s Day.

“I think we know we have to take something from every game and everyone is on the same page.

“The Gillingham game felt more like a defeat.

“We conceded with literally the last kick of the game and it felt like a stab in the heart.

“But if you look at the bigger picture, it’s another point in the bag.”