COLCHESTER United were in fine form against MK Dons, after chalking up a 2-0 win at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Goals from Sammie Szmodics and Frankie Kent gave the U's all three points and ensured their play-off chase will go down to the final day of the season, next weekend.

Here are five talking points to come out of yesterday's game.

Saving the best until last

IF it was to be Colchester United’s final home game of the season, it was the perfect way to sign out.

This was almost the complete performance by the U’s at the JobServe Community Stadium, given the quality of their opponents.

Perhaps the only thing missing was a little more sharpness in front of goal, given the chances they had to add to their two goals.

But that would perhaps be picking holes with a super team display and overall, John McGreal’s side arguably saved their best home showing until last.

The 12th man

COLCHESTER United’s fans put in a huge effort to make the atmosphere as colourful and as vibrant as possible against MK Dons.

And they were rewarded by a similarly striking performance, on the pitch.

The phrase 12th man is often used in relation to supporters and the role they can play and that phrase was certainly apt for the U’s, who were backed by a fund-raising effort to create Blue and White Day.

A crowd of 5,000 – the club’s second highest of the season - made for a cracking atmosphere at the JobServe Community Stadium and the 1,000 or so Dons fans played their part too, wearing orange to celebrate the contribution of their long-serving captain Dean Lewington.

Safe hands

ETHAN Ross has been thrown in at the deep end for Colchester United.

But the 22-year-old goalkeeper has risen to the challenge in a mature and professional way.

Ross has been thrust into the action following Dillon Barnes’ suspension and Rene Gilmartin’s knee injury.

In fairness, he was well protected against MK Dons by a largely watertight defensive display that left the visitors frustrated.

But what Ross did have to do, he did well and his showed good composure under pressure with his handling and punching.

Two of their own

HOW apt that two of Colchester United’s academy-grown players should be on the scoresheet, on a great day for the club.

Sammie Szmodics, who ended an eight-goal goal drought and Frankie Kent were both outstanding against MK Dons, capping fine solo displays with well-taken goals.

The pair have been excellent over recent weeks, so much so that this might have been the last time they were seen at the JobServe Community Stadium in U’s shirts.

Let’s hope that is not the case, especially as in the short term it would mean there is a play-off semi-final to play at the venue before any potential transfer business is done.

Trophy time

THE outcome of their season is still uncertain.

But Colchester United will at least be in upbeat mood when they hold their End of Season awards night, tomorrow night.

The U’s squad will assemble for a glitzy affair at the JobServe Community Stadium, where their efforts throughout the campaign will be acknowledged.

There are plenty of candidates for the main awards but there is still time this season for at least one of those players to make themselves an absolute hero for years to come.