DANNY Johnston knows early pressure could be key when Colchester Rugby Club head to Luton in London League division one north today.

Colchester go to Bedfordshire sitting third in the table after their resounding win against Diss last weekend and will face a Luton side coming off the back of an unexpected defeat by North Walsham.

Head coach Johnston knows that loss will have hurt Luton and that they will want to bounce back against his team, but he is also aware that Colchester can take advantage of any nervousness from the hosts.

And he wants his players to take charge of the situation early in the game.

Johnston said: “Luton will be ready and fired up for it after losing a game they would have expected to win last weekend, but losing can become a habit.

“We did so well last weekend and if we can dominate early then we can put some real pressure on them.

“However, it is a long journey for us and we know it will be a tough game.

“They have variation in their play.

“They have a large back row and we’ll have to deal with that, but they also have some pacey backs outside and our defence is going to be vital.

“If we are organised and disciplined like we were against Diss last weekend, then we’ll be difficult to break down.

“But if we lose focus then they have the pressure to punish us.

“Once again it is down to ourselves how we affect the outcome of the game. We have the personnel there to do it. “We have players coming back now and I have to say there is a real headache in selection.

“The boys recognise that is the case now and it’s a good place to be for any side.”