Boss not surprised that Colchester are right in the promotion mix.

Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he is not surprised that John McGreal’s Colchester United side occupy one of the play-off places as we stand because he believes that they are one of the top sides in the division.

The Crewe boss is still smarting from the heaviest defeat of his managerial career when the U’s out six past us back in August, but Artell states that he thought they would be contenders even before that early clash.

Colchester arrive in South Cheshire on Saturday trying to complete a league double over the Alex but Artell’s side are in good form themselves having lost just one of the last six games.

Ahead of our eagerly awaited re-match at Gresty Road, Artell said: “If I was picking the top five teams in the division then Colchester would be in there. They are a good side and John has done a terrific job.

“I am not surprised that they have been up there all season because they have good players.

“We got it wrong down there. We travelled on the day and it was a long day. We went to a hotel and in a way it was mentally tiring and we were 2-0 down in eight minutes. Now the preparation was no excuse for the performance but it was certainly one of the factors.

“We changed it when we went to Yeovil and stayed over on the Monday and the players relaxed more on the Tuesday and it was one of our better away performances. We should have won that game comfortably.

“I know we have improved since August and I’m sure John will be saying the same thing. It should be a god game and we both need the points.”