HAVING scraped their way back into the play-off zone, Colchester United have another major scalp in their sights this weekend when they make the long trip to Exeter City.

The U's hopped up to seventh in League Two as a result of Tuesday's goalless draw against Bradford City, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Now they are preparing for another stern test against a Grecians side sitting second, level on points with leaders Swindon Town (coincidentally, Colchester's next opponents, on Tuesday).

Both sides are sitting pretty on 53 points but Exeter have a game in hand on their title rivals and will be determined to strengthen their position against the U's.

Matt Taylor's men are certainly enjoying a fantastic season and the fact they have only lost four times shows their strength and resilience.

Colchester, to their credit, have only lost five, from a game more, but there's no denying they'll need to be at their very best in Devon.

Exeter's last defeat was way back on November 2 - a 2-0 reverse at Bradford City.

Since then they've won their last five league and cup matches, keeping a clean sheet in four of them.

In fact, the last time they failed to win a game was when drawing 2-2 at Colchester on December 29.

Harry Pell and Theo Robinson scored for the U's that afternoon while top-scorer Ryan Bowman stroked home a late penalty for the Grecians.

The last time Exeter conceded a goal was when Will Keane found the back of their net for Ipswich Town, in a Leasing.com Trophy tie on January 4.

Overall, Taylor's men have been a force to be reckoned with on home soil, only losing once.

That was a 3-1 defeat against Grimsby Town on September 28.