COLCHESTER United's League One status is precarious to say the least.

But tonight, they take on a Crewe Alexandra side whose fate has already been confirmed.

The U’s head to Gresty Road to face an Alex side who are definitely down but midfielder Tom Lapslie believes the hosts will nevertheless still have plenty to play for.

Lapslie said: “Crewe will be professional and want to win – they’ve got pride to play for.

“No-one wants to get relegated and they’ll have their own pride and reputations to play for, as well as contracts for next season and stuff like that.

“There’s a lot of factors going into it regardless of the situation, so they’ll be at it as well.

“We have to win every game and work hard and try and best – that’s all we can do really and see where that takes us.

“The performances have been good since the new gaffer has come in but results haven’t gone our way and we’ve probably deserved more than we’ve got.”

Lapslie will be hoping to keep his place in the Colchester side against Crewe, having returned to their starting line-up against Peterborough United, last weekend.

The 20-year-old replaced the injured Alex Gilbey in the centre of the park and with the playmaker rated as only 50-50 for tonight’s game, Lapslie is standing by for another start having spent much of this season on the sidelines.

“I’ve been waiting and biding my time,” added Lapslie, who was forced off with an impact injury in the second half of the U’s 4-1 defeat against Posh.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for a run in the side and in a way, it’s like the season is starting for me.

“I didn’t play at the start of last season either; I came in towards the end then too so what’s happened this time is similar.

“I’m thankful that I’ve got my chance in the team and hopefully I can stay there.

“It’s not nice to see another player injured, so I wish (Alex) Gilbey a speedy recovery of course but it’s nice to be in the team and hopefully, I can stay there between now and the end of the season.

“Alex is a top quality player and he’s a big miss for the team but hopefully I can fill in as best I can.

“We’ve both got energy to get up and down the pitch but no two players are the same.

"I’ll put my own stamp on it and play my own way – that’s all we can do.”