Colchester United fan Si Collinson gives his views on the U's

There's six games left and while we are not mathematically safe, I think we've done enough to allow us to enjoy the last fixtures and hopefully, end on a high.

There are positives to take from what Wayne Brown and his team have brought; we're scoring goals and seem harder to beat.

But there will need to be a big debrief after the curtain falls as to how we are to ensure we do not have a third season at the wrong end of the table.

Until then, let's carry on our support and cheer the lads to as many points as possible between now and early May.

In a day of all seasons up in North Yorkshire, it was the U’s that weathered the early storm from the hosts Harrogate Town.

I think most of the 347 fans who made the trip felt we were in for a long afternoon when Harrogate took an early lead on four minutes, having already missing a very simple chance that was almost easier to score before that.

But in fairness to the lads, they rolled up their sleeves and dug in, finding the resilience to get back in the game via a much-needed Freddie Sears goal.

It was one that the travelling fans needed but also the striker himself, after a run of games without a goal.

This seemed to lift the team and the player, who showed even more energy and did not stop running and causing problems for the rest of the game.

Sears swapped roles with Chilvers for the second goal and provided the assist for Colchester’s most in-form player to hit home the second and give us the lead we never lost.

At times it was not pretty and we rode our luck, with last-ditch tackles needed from Coxe and Chambers along with a very fine save by George, as good as if not better than his one against Tranmere.

One thing I did like to see was the game management - in a situation where every little edge that can be gained was needed we pulled a few tricks out the bag.

My favourite was making the hosts wait in a hailstorm for a good three minutes before coming out for the second half.

I don't know if this was by design or by default, but it clearly annoyed the home side as they tried to keep warm while waiting.

In the end, we held on for the points and at this stage of the season, that's all that matters.

The weekend's trip up to the EnviroVent Stadium was also a first for me.

Not only was it a new ground but also my first time on the CUSA-run coach.

For most games I drive up with Aaron and Nick but this time out, Aaron had inadvertently booked a night out with work while Nick’s car was not playing ball so Mel and I decided to take the coach.

Not knowing what to expect, I can't recommend it highly enough for away-game travel in a well run and relaxed atmosphere.

The booking was simple, the coach was comfortable, there was never any feeling of being rushed or herded around.

It made for a very pleasant and enjoyable experience, surrounded by fellow U’s fans.

Fair play to Jon Burns and his team for making what must be a complex operation behind the scenes look and feel so seamless.

I for one will not hesitate to jump onboard again in the future, if the need arises.

Up the U’s.