COLCHESTER United go in search of their first win of 2019 today.

And should they take the lead at any time against Port Vale, it should not really come as much of a surprise given this striking statistic.

The U's have spent more time ahead in games than any other League Two side this season.

John McGreal's side have been leading for a total period of nearly 16 and a half hours so far in the current campaign, equating to 40 per cent of the time that they have been on the pitch.

Colchester remain one of the highest-scoring teams in the fourth tier and head coach John McGreal said: “It’s a great stat to have.

“It proves that the boys are working ever so hard to try and improve.

“Generally overall, I think the whole team has improved from last year and individuals and results too.

“The club is improving and that’s all that we can ask, to try and improve on what has gone on in the past.”

Colchester go in search of their first win in five matches at Port Vale today but despite their recent dip in form, boss McGreal is fully confident they can get back to winning ways.

He said: “Yes, we want the wins obviously but it’s not all doom and gloom.

“We can dress numbers up how we want to – I look at it that in the last nine games, we’ve won three, drawn three and lost three.

“It’s how you see numbers in front of you and I’ll always try and dress them up.

“We’re a fighting club - we’re a club of opportunity and we want to give everything we’ve got.

“We feel our performance (against Notts County) was an excellent one and a great recovery from a 3-1 deficit.”

Statistics provided by https://sports.bwin.com/en/news/football/half-term-awards