COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal has called for unity between club and supporters as they battle to keep their League Two play-off dream alive.

The U’s dropped out of the top seven following their 3-0 defeat at Exeter City, their third defeat in four matches.

Colchester now find themselves a point outside the play-off positions after a run of one win in six matches and boss McGreal wants both players and fans to live up to the club’s name and be united.

McGreal said: “It’s a big test for everyone now – ourselves and the fans.

“We all want to do it together and we’re not going to do it if boys are getting booed and different things going on.

“I know there’s frustration but we have to stand firm and be united as the Col U name is and look to achieve things together.

"The boys need it at the minute – you can see we’re a really young team and that’s part of what we’re doing.

“Everyone gets frustrated – you could hear our fans on Tuesday get frustrated after 20 minutes because we’re not winning a game of football and we need to stick together.

“It’s one where we need each other and you can see that the boys are lacking a bit of confidence, at times.

“The (Forest Green) result has definitely had a bit of a knock-on effect (at Exeter), especially in the second half but we need to find some resolve together.

“We should be scoring goals and that’s why I think the (Exeter) scoreline is a bit of a harsh one on us.

“But when you’re down there, things don’t go well for you and we have to continue working hard to try and get our head out of this and keep the belief going.”

McGreal admits Colchester are missing their central midfielders who are currently out due to injury.

Harry Pell, Tom Lapslie, Brandon Comley and Louis Dunne are all sidelined, while Ben Stevenson is carrying a groin injury.

McGreal added: “You can see we’re lacking the big players, in the heart of midfield.

“You can still see Ben’s hindered but we need the boys in there.

“But I thought Mika (Mandron) performed to a great level in there (against Exeter) and gave everything.

“He played out of position for the team and we need more of that really."