David Artell cut a relieved character after seeing his side finally pick up a maximum three point return that recent performances deserved.

Shaun Miller's predatory strike on the hour proved enough in a 1-0 victory over Colchester United at Gresty Road, but the boss insists it's simply a step in the right direction that must be built on.

Artell said: "I think it has been a while coming, but I think in the last few performances we have deserved more.

“Today wasn’t the best we have played, we played far, far better at Accrington on Tuesday night, but I thought the lads showed unbelievable fight and character, and resilience and doggedness.

“They had to do their jobs and I can’t remember Ben Garratt being troubled in the second half. All credit to them, they ran their socks off and there are plenty of tired legs.

“The last three games we have had two clean sheets, and I said if we are going to get out of it we couldn’t keep conceding the way we have been. We seem to be more resilient than we had been, and we have made a start scoring goals at the other end today.

“That’s how he makes his name, Shaun Miller, and he deserves his goal.

“A win is a win, nobody will get carried away but it is a step in the right direction."