THERE’S still a long way to go.

But it’s difficult not to view the remainder of this month as a pivotal spell in the context of Colchester United’s season.

Between now and the end of January, the U’s lock swords with three of the clubs currently residing in League Two’s top five - and at the moment, lying just above them in the table.

Next up for John McGreal’s side is a home game against fifth-placed Bradford City, tomorrow night.

A trip to second-placed Exeter City then follows next weekend.

The U’s then entertain current leaders Swindon Town next Tuesday.

They undoubtedly represent three tough games for Colchester.

They are fixtures that will go a long way to determining how strong their promotion challenge is this year.

But the U’s should not – and will not – fear any of their forthcoming opponents.

After all, they have embarked on a 13-match unbeaten league run.

They have not tasted defeat since mid-October.

Only five sides have scored more goals than Colchester in League Two so far this season.

And at the other end, only three teams have conceded fewer goals than McGreal’s men.

Things are looking rosy for the U’s, who are only outside of the top seven on goal difference and three points off the automatic promotion places.

It’s a healthy position for them to be in.

And they will no doubt feel that they can use the next three games as an opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.

Significantly, two of those three games are at home.

Colchester have always been a tough nut to crack at the JobServe Community Stadium, under McGreal.

They have lost only at the venue twice in the league this season and will feel confident that they can really take the game to their opponents, in front of their own fans.

It is a settled U’s side at present, although the potential return of attacker Courtney Senior in the coming days would be a big boost given the importance of their forthcoming games.

It feels like the next seven days or so can be a defining period for Colchester.

But the in-form U’s will feel confident that they can grasp the opportunity that awaits them.