COLCHESTER United boss Hayden Mullins has urged his players to quickly put their painful defeat at Stevenage behind them when they host Exeter City tonight.

The U's take on the high-flying Grecians at the JobServe Community Stadium looking to bounce back immediately from their 1-0 loss, at the Lamex Stadium.

Colchester bossed the possession for large periods at Stevenage but came away empty handed, following Elliott List's penalty in first-half stoppage-time.

Mullins wants a quick response from the U's, as they prepare to play the second of seven games in the space of 21 days including two knockout cup-ties.

Mullins said: “It hurt because we put in such a great performance but we have another game on Tuesday.

“It was a tough one to take because it was a real good away performance and we played so well but we get nothing for the performance.

“We were so dominant but we have to be switched on the whole time.

“Games come thick and fast at the moment.

“We have games on Tuesday and Friday and we have another game after that, so there’s plenty of games to get over this one.

“Having the cup games are great.

“The only thing is that it puts more fixtures in there and it really tests your squad.

“We’ve got a good enough squad and we’ll rotate players when we need to and drop players out when they need a rest as well.

“It’s good to have these different competitions and still be in them – that’s fantastic."

Meanwhile Mullins has urged loanee Sylv Jasper to keep working hard both in matches and in training following the Fulham loanee's recent good form.

The 20-year-old had had a busy few weeks, having started the last three U's games in which he has been available and also playing twice for Bulgaria under-21s.

“Sylv is still 20 and this is his first real senior loan," said Mullins.

“He’s now got his first caps for Bulgaria which is fantastic for him.

“It’s all new and coming towards him now and it’s our job at the moment, especially with him being away from his parent club, to try and keep his feet firmly on the ground and guide him in the right direction.

“He hasn’t done anything yet and he still needs to work hard and we still try and drum that into him, with training the key.

“But Sylv is a good lad - he’s grounded and he knows he needs to keep working hard."