FOCUSING on the positives can be quite a hard thing to do when you see your team dabbling with the lower reaches of League Two again, and the memories of last season start to re-surface.

On paper this U’s squad should really be bobbing around at the other end of the table, and I do not think this view is purely down to the rosy tint of my spectacles.

There are positives though. In fairness, the U’s are looking like a very hard to beat team through a combination of hard work and some really top performing players at the back like Eastman, Chambers and George.

A degree of fortune and a lack of opposition quality at times might also be factors, but I do still think we look strong back there especially when compared with some of the ragged defences we have faced this season.

Quite what Bristol Rovers were trying to achieve with their high risk goal kicks was beyond me.

Tom Eastman is a positive in his own right after he moved another place higher in the leading U’s appearances chart.

Quite simply an outstanding and loyal footballer who knows his job inside and out. Where would we be without him?

Also, and as painful as it might be when we are in these situations, the U’s never give up until the final whistle.

Leaving it late for the wonderful winner against high flying Harrogate and snatching a point against grumpy Rovers in the dying minutes.

This demonstrates a good attitude, although it would be nice for the fans if we could on occasions not be playing catch up.

That run from Brendan on Saturday, dumping two defenders on their backsides, and the cool finish from Jasper was a huge boost for the fans and Noah’s volley was also just what we needed on Tuesday. Two substitutes taking of business for the U’s. Dobra also came close on Tuesday after arriving from the bench.

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Selection headaches for Hayden and co I think especially as they try yet again to find a formula that works up front.

And so to the negatives, with the worst-kept secret seemingly being that our number nine wants to play in a different position.

From memory, haven’t we been here before from when he first arrived at the U’s, when there was debate about where he liked to play and where he made more of an impact?

First up, the manager makes these calls, and players should not be asking these things.

Secondly, what happens if the change is made and nothing comes from it? Where does that leave us and him?

Personally I do think Frank is having a hard time of it, especially getting pinned unfairly by refs, and he definitely looks out of soughts, so something needs to change to get him back to his best.

So there is one element to our present goal aversion that needs fixing. How do the U’s break the shackles and get their confidence back in the final third?

Although to a degree, more and better chances have been created these past two home games, some of the players look a little on edge and anxious, desperate not to waste an opportunity.

I would be really delighted if the players found their scoring boots at Port Vale. I suspect though that the U’s will be on the back foot quite a bit and playing on the break, which might suit us.

Then we have two more home games to contend with. Hopefully we will have the sound system fixed by then? Maybe even Eddie will re-appear?

There are several logistical issues at the U’s at the moment which are making it less than a good experience for the fans, partly due to the requirements of being a vaccination centre, and partly due I think to a tight control of cash and a lack of staff.

Let us all hope that it will get better, sooner rather than later.

Let us also hope that the U’s appeal Junior’s red card and win their case. It looked incredibly harsh on our 17-year-old right-back when his crimes were only a nudge on the player as he kicked the ball away, avoiding a punch and then rightly holding onto the player so he could not try another blow.

Good luck U’s, good luck Junior and a safe journey to all off to Port Vale tomorrow.