John McGreal insists the future looks bright for Colchester United despite them missing out on the League Two play-offs in agonising fashion.

The U's beat Yeovil Town 2-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on the final day of the season and for a time during the game, looked as though they were on their way to clinching a top-seven finish.

But Carlisle came from behind to win at Exeter City and Blackpool beat Leyton Orient to take the two play-off spots that were still available, meaning the U's missed out.

McGreal said: “It’s gone against us a little bit.

“A couple of years ago, it went for us when we beat Preston to stay up on the final day but that hasn’t happened today.

“We set out to win a game of football and the boys have stood up to that bit of pressure and taken it on their shoulders.

“They put in a great performance to win 2-0 – we were reliant on other teams and we haven’t been able to get into the play-offs because of that but we’ve done our best.

“We had to keep our focus and when we got the second goal, we were in it and then out of it after Carlisle scored twice.

“The players have been terrific.

“They’re a hard-working, honest bunch and there are a load of bright points for this football club and we have to make sure that we keep moving it forward.”

A crowd of more than 6,500 packed into the Community Stadium to see Colchester beat Yeovil, thanks to Tarique Fosu's brace.

The U's fans have really got behind their side this season, prompting McGreal to thank them for their support.

"We've set out to get that connection and feel-good factor from day one," he added.

"It's taken us a little while but if you think back since the time of the Christmas period and the fans turning out in their numbers today, it's brilliant.

"That's what we want - we want to entertain our fans and I think we've done that especially at home.

"The noise was terrific and I want to thank the fans, because it does make a difference."