COLCHESTER United head coach Hayden Mullins has challenged his players to build on their eye-catching win over high-flying Exeter City – and embark on a long unbeaten run of their own.

The U’s host Newport County tomorrow night looking to record back-to-back wins in League Two for the first time this season, following their notable 3-1 triumph over the Grecians.

Colchester’s win, which came courtesy of goals from Sylvester Jasper, Noah Chilvers and Freddie Sears, ended Exeter’s 15-match league unbeaten run on Tuesday night.

And as the U’s prepare for another game at the JobServe Community Stadium tomorrow, boss Mullins wants more of the same.

Mullins said: “I said to the boys that I really feel that we’re on an upward curve at the moment, which is always positive.

“We need to build on it and put a run together of our own, similar to what Exeter have done.

“If we can do that, we can be in a great position.

“We really want to gain the confidence from our performances and turn them into wins – that’s the main thing for me at the moment.

“I’ve spoken a bit this season about having your ups and downs and I really do think at the moment that this team is on a little bit of an up.

“I know the result at Stevenage was a bit of a hiccup but I was really, really pleased with how we went about our performance, last Saturday.”

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Mullins made three changes to his starting line-up against Exeter, with Jake Turner, skipper Tommy Smith and Luke Hannant all impressing after returning to the team.

Cameron Coxe also came off the bench in the first half to good effect and Mullins says they all made an impact.

He said: “It shows how well the boys are sticking at it and working hard and training right.

“You might be spending a bit of time on the sidelines and being in and out of the team but when you get out on the pitch, you’ve got to try and take your chance.

“I think Tommy Smith came back in and was excellent.

“He’s not played for a while but he’s been excellent, in waiting for his chance.

“He’s a true professional; he’s come back in and he looked like he’s never been away.

“Credit to him, Luke Hannant and Jake Turner – they all came in and made a real difference to the side and it was a fantastic team performance.”