'I DON’T think we’ve ever been away'.

That was John McGreal’s response when it was suggested in his post-match interview that Colchester United were 'back', following their 3-0 win over Port Vale.

The U’s head coach knows results had been somewhat indifferent for his side over the festive period, following a run of four games without a victory.

But he was adamant that the performances had been there, if not the goals.

Nevertheless, it was great to see Colchester get back to winning ways – and in some style, too.

The U’s recent run of form was their least productive of the season, prior to the Vale win.

So to claim three points on the road in such a fashion was most pleasing.

So too were the three goals scored by the U’s at Vale Park, making it six goals in their last two games.

That kind of prolific showing represents a return to the kind of scoring form they produced earlier in the season.

And at the other end, the clean sheet was arguably just as important, given the disappointing nature of the three goals shipped in the 3-3 home draw with bottom club Notts County, seven days earlier.

Having dropped out of League Two’s top seven for the first time in months, Colchester are now right back in amongst it with the Port Vale win.

They are fifth, two points off the top three heading into a big home clash with third-placed Mansfield Town, this weekend.

Just two points – and two places – separate the U’s and the Stags going into the meeting at the JobServe Community Stadium, so it is a match to look forward to.

Much has been said and written about Colchester’s excellent record of responding to setbacks, this season.

They are yet to lose back-to-back matches in the league which is an impressive record and a positive indication of the character that exists within this promotion-chasing U’s squad.

Nevertheless, it is arguably just as important for a side to win consistently, too – which is why Colchester must now follow up their triumph at Port Vale with another victory.

The U’s have managed back-to-back league wins on three occasions, this season.

To do so a fourth time against a promotion rival would really cement their challenge.