COLCHESTER United were impressive 3-2 winners at Mansfield Town, on Saturday afternoon.

A week to remember

IMPRESSIVE back-to-back league wins against top-half teams, a fantastic midweek cup victory on the road in front of nearly 1,800 jubilant U’s fans and being drawn to play at Manchester United in a quarter-final tie in a national competition.

It’s difficult to remember many more enjoyable weeks in Colchester United’s recent history than the one they have just enjoyed.

No wonder U’s boss John McGreal and his players were all smiles following their 3-2 win at Mansfield Town, on Saturday.

It capped an excellent few days for John McGreal’s side, who are now just a point off the League Two play-off places and five points adrift of new League Two leaders, Forest Green Rovers.

Simply irresistible

THE fact that Colchester United registered a total of 24 shots on goal during their 3-2 win at Mansfield Town says much about the attacking display they produced.

The U’s were irresistible against the Stags, who at times could not deal with the visitors’ skill, trickery and pace.

Colchester have found the net nine times in their last three games and the fact that they have had six different scorers in that time says much about their all-round armoury.

They are such an exciting team to watch when they are in full flow and League Two defences have little answer to the guile and artistry of the likes of Courtney Senior, Kwame Poku and Callum Harriott, when they are on their game.

No need for apologies

FRANK Nouble humbly apologised to his Colchester United team-mates after seeing a penalty saved for the second time in their last three matches.

‘Right that’s me off pens for a while,’ tweeted the former West Ham United youngster, after seeing his spot-kick saved by Mansfield Town keeper Conrad Logan.

It followed on from his recent penalty woe at Crewe Alexandra, where he was denied by home keeper Will Jaaskelainen and it seems as though someone else will be on spot-kick duty for the U’s, from now on.

Nouble should not really need to say sorry though; he has been pivotal for Colchester again this season and led the line brilliantly at Mansfield, to help spearhead their win at Field Mill.

A welcome return

HARRY Pell’s appearance as a late substitute for Colchester United at Mansfield Town proved to be the icing on the cake on a great day for the U’s.

The popular midfielder had not featured since the opening day draw against Port Vale because of an Achilles injury.

But after an absence of nearly three months from first-team duty, he was back in the fold much to the delight of management, team-mates and supporters alike.

Pell’s biggest problem now is trying to get back into John McGreal’s team, given the impressive form Brandon Comley and Ben Stevenson are currently enjoying.

High praise

KANE Vincent-Young was an impressive performer during his time at Colchester United, prior to leaving them for Ipswich Town in August.

So for boss John McGreal to compare Cohen Bramall’s form to that of his former full-back is high praise indeed.

“The way Cohen is performing for us at this moment in time is like the way Kane was,” said McGreal of his left-back, who was outstanding at Mansfield and played his part in two of Colchester’s three goals.

Bramall’s pace and direct running is proving a huge asset and crucially, he is also fulfilling his defensive duties, too.