Banter with Burns with Colchester United Supporters Association chairman Jon Burns

Disappointingly, episode one of the Crawley experience did not go to plan.

On a wet afternoon in Sussex, the Colchester United fell away in the second half with a Jekyll and Hyde performance.

Hopefully, with lessons learned about what we must not do against them, the next encounter will be a more successful affair. With a Carabao Cup quarter-final place up the grabs, it should sharpen the minds of the one or two players who occasionally drift away during a game.

Will it be too early for a fit again Callum Harriott?

We all know what he can do when he is 100 per cent and you have to think that if he’s even close to that, then he has to be included in the squad at least.

Yet more competition for John McGreal to manage and whilst it is a selection headache, it is also a major issue for players because if they are being picked on merit then they all know that they cannot give a fraction off their best.

I often find it fascinating seeing how players respond to pressure on complacency.

Several understudies were on show during the Essex Senior Cup defeat at Heybridge on Tuesday.

Have to say well done to U’s legend Karl Duguid and his team for playing so well.

For all of the skills and trickery that the U’s had on show, it sadly failed to click properly in the final third.

Harriott played the first half and looked hungry and reasonably sharp.

After a poor week by recent standards, the U’s need to bounce back in confident style against bottom-placed Morecambe tomorrow.

Taking a lesson from the recent Stevenage game, we know the mental and physical challenges we need to overcome.

I wonder if the gaffer might choose some different cards to play this week, giving one or two aces the chance to impress

and retain their place ahead of the Tuesday trip to Crewe at the other end of League Two.

It’s a big week for the U’s. They’ll need to keep the confidence high ahead of the cup and with six points on offer in a tight table, they’ll need to work hard to keep pace with the top positions.

Hope you’re looking forward to it U’s fans. Thanks for your support as always.