COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal is expecting more twists and turns during a nailbiting final few weeks of the League Two season.

The U's chief has been disappointed by his side's recent form and three defeats in four games have seen them drop to eighth in the table.

They currently sit a point behind seventh-placed Port Vale but ten behind Plymouth Argyle, who moved into the third and final automatic promotion place following Tuesday's 3-0 victory against Grimsby Town.

They leapfrogged Exeter City, who drew 1-1 with second-placed against Crewe Alexandra, and Cheltenham Town, who beat the U's on Saturday.

Colchester now have ten games left to get back on track, starting with Saturday's long trip to Carlisle United.

Their next home game is against Scunthorpe United, on March 14.

"We've got ten big games left and the boys have got to stand up to the test," said McGreal.

"There's no question about that.

"There will be twists and turns.

"That's the nature of the division and teams are going to move in and out of the play-offs and even the top three.

"Both individuals and teams are going to be under pressure and feeling the heat in these final ten games.

"But we have to embrace that challenge.

"This is the money end of the season."

McGreal was disappointed by his side's 2-0 defeat against Cheltenham on Saturday.

Alfie May slotted the visitors into a first-half lead before a killer-blow second from Chris Hussey.

However, McGreal maintains there was little between the sides and that it was a "missed opportunity" for his team.

"There wasn't much in last week's game and that's why it was so disappointing, to lose 2-0," he said.

"Cheltenham came with a gameplan and then got a goal, which gave them something to hang onto.

"It was a tight game which was frustrating, from our point of view.

"It was a missed opportunity but there are ten games left. Let's go for it."

Aside from Colchester's trek to Brunton Park, Saturday's other League Two fixtures are Scunthorpe United v Grimsby, Cheltenham v Port Vale, Crawley Town v Oldham Athletic, Crewe v Stevenage, Leyton Orient v Cambridge United, Newport County v Morecambe, Northampton Town v Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle v Macclesfield Town, Salford City v Bradford City, Swindon Town v Forest Green Rovers and Walsall v Exeter.