A simple assessment, beaten by a better side, whilst Pompey conceded three points to Scunthorpe. The former is disappointing, but that latter is good, despite Scunthorpe only trailing behind us on goal difference. The important thing is that both Scunthorpe and the U's are now outside the relegation zone by two clear points.

No, I haven't suddenly become a closet Scunthorpe fan. Just emphasising what I said in my Portsmouth report. For Scunthorpe to gain three points, Pompey had to concede three to them in a ‘six pointer’. There does remain a disproportionate number of ‘six pointer’ games still to be played between six of the bottom seven, some (like Oldham/Pompey) have five such ties outstanding. Each time, one must inevitably lose three points or both lose two. Admittedly, one might emerge as a leader of this mini league and soar up the table as did Carlisle and Coventry previously. But for the rest it is gloom, or at best a shared point. If they all cancel each other out, so much the better. It really is hard to gain (say) a six point advantage when in such situations. Fortunately the U's have only three fixtures left amongst this group, hence we can't now concede further points to the other four and allow them to directly gain ground on us.

It is true that we must now concentrate upon beating sides higher up the table, and set backs are inevitable as per last night. I similarly don't expect anything from Sheffield United or Tranmere. But we now have a squad that can now succeed against the middle table, the U's having played almost all of the top teams away. Again, those around us seem to have the more difficult run in.

I felt we were largely outplayed in all areas of the park by the better side. Fortunately, Swindon didn't bring their shooting boots, nor did they at Leyton Orient (which I witnessed) or Crawley. This was their first goal in open play in three matches. But sixteen shots, ten on target suggested they meant business. It could so easily have been a four or five goal difference, and remember, the Robins have defeated Carlisle, Portsmouth, Tranmere and Yeovil by such margins. It is no surprise to me that they occupy third place, only two points below Tranmere and Doncaster. We defended resolutely, largely kept them out, and came so close to taking a point. Against the lesser sides that we still have to play, that gives me much hope of clean sheets.

Up front, we had our positive moments too, notably through Jabo Ibhere and Freddie Sears. Yes, I came away disappointed, but felt it was an honest hard working performance against a side that we didn't expect nor deserve to beat. That must auger well for the fixtures to come. In blue and white was a team with a distinct heartbeat once again. We had players that looked as though they wanted to play for each other, for the manager and for the fans. Keep the faith Joe Dunne, we won't stop singing.

Photo: Action Images

Colchester United Polls