MATTY Etherington believes victory for Colchester United against Salford City tonight in their final home game of 2023 can help to kick start their season.

The U's head into the game at the JobServe Community Stadium on the back of five successive league defeats, a run that has left them third from bottom in the League Two table.

Colchester can draw level with their 20th-placed opponents Salford with a win this evening and boss Etherington is looking for his team to start the game well.

READ MORE: U's skipper Connor Hall set to return from injury for Salford clash

Etherington said: “I realise the situation that we’re currently in.

“A win tonight will go a long way to really kicking us on and hopefully, we can get it.

“Maybe for the players knowing where Salford are in the table and the fact that we can go level on points with them, there is that added edge to it.

"But for me, it’s about performing, it’s about trying to get the crowd on our side early on and really feeding off that and starting well – that’s key.

“I feel if we do that, we’ve got a really good chance of winning the game.

Gazette: Matty Etherington

“I watched their game against Wimbledon from last weekend.

“Wimbledon were unlucky not to win the game, Salford had their moments as all teams will have."

Colchester are set to welcome back experienced defensive duo Connor Hall and Tom Dallison to their squad tonight.

Ellis Iandolo is also pushing for a start after returning to match action at Wrexham last weekend following a four-month injury absence.

READ MORE: Perry Groves outlines key requirement for U's ahead of busy period

Colchester played a four-man defence at Wrexham last weekend and Etherington admits he is searching for the best formation for his side.

“I’m fully aware that systems have changed and I’ve tried to find the right balance," added Etherington.

“But I also need to find consistency and consistent messaging to the players as well because potentially, they can get a little bit confused.

“There are things that I have in mind further down the line to evolve that but it’s all about the here and now and winning on Friday night.

Gazette:

“In terms of changes, we’ll have to wait and see but I don’t think it will be wholesale.

“People will probably disagree with this but I’m just saying what I’m seeing – I don’t feel like we’re playing awful.

“In terms of the football we’re playing, especially at the weekend even when it was 11 v 11, I thought we had some good stuff on show.

"It’s just we need to provide that goal threat and I think it will all come together.”