COLCHESTER United boss Steve Ball says he is glad his side are back in action so soon after their defeat at Morecambe.

The U’s were left smarting following a 3-0 loss at the Mazuma Stadium but have the opportunity to bounce back immediately when they travel to play Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Colchester are aiming to end a seven-match sequence without a win and Ball is keen to see his team get back on the pitch.

Ball said: “There’s been a few times this year where we’ve lost and there’s been a blank week, which we didn’t want.

“If ever I want a game, it’s now.

“The players are hurting and there’s a bit of anger, frustration and disappointment because we were definitely the better side, in the first half.

“We have to pick ourselves up as a group and get prepared for Stevenage.”

Colchester will be without skipper Harry Pell through suspension for the Stevenage match, following his red card at Morecambe.

The U’s midfielder was dismissed for violent conduct during the 3-0 loss, after he clashed with Shrimps right-back Ryan Cooney.

Pell will now serve a three-match ban, meaning he will also miss the games against Scunthorpe United and Salford City.

Colchester will also be without Tom Lapslie as he recovers from a groin injury but new signing Aramide Oteh is in line to make his first start for the U’s against his former club Stevenage.

Oteh, who made 16 first-team appearances for Stevenage, scoring four times, appeared as a second-half substitute at Morecambe to make his U's debut last weekend.

“He’s looking sharp," said Ball.

“He’s had a good few games for Stevenage and he’s looking good.

“I think he got a bit frustrated in the end at Stevenage in as far as he felt he should be playing.

“That’s obviously good to know, that he’s got a strong desire to play.

“When Luke (Norris) went that way, it opened up the opportunity for Aramide to come to us."

Colchester could come against three of their former players tonight.

Luke Prosser, Ben Coker and Luke Norris are all now at Stevenage and could face the U's.

Norris left Colchester for Stevenage earlier this month and Ball says there are no hard feelings.

He added: "I've never had a problem with Luke here as a player and he's done well for the club. But in football, players will move on from time to time."