ALEX Dyer admits there is no ‘magic formula’ for Colchester United turning around their home form - but is confident their results at the JobServe Community Stadium will change soon.

The U’s go in search of their first home win of the season when they host West Ham United under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).

Colchester head into the Group A game on the back of a creditable 0-0 draw at Swindon Town last weekend, a result that extended their unbeaten away record in League Two this season to five matches.

The U’s are still looking for their first home victory of the campaign in all competitions though and assistant manager Dyer is confident it is just around the corner.

Dyer said: “We work hard – we’ve just got to put it right at home which we will do.

“We’ll keep working hard every week in training and it’ll turn.

“It’s no magic formula.

“At this present time, we’re getting results away from home but it will change at home.

“We just need a bit of luck and that comes from working hard.

“But away from home we’re quite comfortable and every man knows what they’re doing.”

Colchester, who hope to have head coach Hayden Mullins back at the helm tonight following his Covid lay-off, are expected to make a number of changes to their starting line-up against West Ham's youngsters.

The likes of Noah Chilvers, Armando Dobra and Jake Turner could all feature against the Hammers.

Samson Tovide, who has been an unused substitute in each of Colchester’s last two League Two games, could also be involved and Dyer insists they are not afraid of giving the 17-year-old forward game time.

He said: “Samson plays well in the 23s and he trains well with all the boys.

“He trains with us and he’s getting better and better every day.

“He’s young and he’s learning every day.

“He’s aggressive and he wants to play.

“He’s powerful and he’s got all of the right attributes – it’s just putting them all together and his time will come.

“We’re not frightened of putting him on if he needs to play, there’s no doubt about that.

“At this moment in time he’s sub and we need him to come on and change the game for us.

“He’s surrounded by good pros and they help him every day.

“I was watching training and at the end of it, Charlie (Daniels) was doing a bit with him.

“It’s nice; you get all of the senior pros and it bodes well for his future.”

Colchester are hoping to get off the mark in Group A of the Papa John's Trophy tonight, following their 1-0 defeat to Gillingham in the competition.

West Ham United's under-21s travel to the Community Stadium on the back of a 2-1 win at Ipswich Town, earlier this month.