COLCHESTER United boss Steve Ball says his players have been buoyed by the prospect of playing in front of their fans again.

More than 800 U’s supporters are set to return to the JobServe Community Stadium after a nine-month absence to watch their side take on Grimsby Town, on Saturday night (kick-off 5.30pm).

It will be the first time since February that Colchester have been able to open their doors to the fans, after the Covid-19 pandemic forced clubs to play games behind closed doors.

Ball said: “It’s given everyone a lift.

“We’ve had lots of chats about the games on Tuesday night when the fans were back.

“The likes of Carlisle had 2,000 there and Luton were scoring goals and celebrating with their fans.

“Our players can’t wait to play in front of them again.

“It’s handy that we’re at home for our first game with fans – that was always the hope.

“And the kick-off time gives it a real night feel as well, so it’s a good one to have under the lights.

“Hopefully, we can perform for them on Saturday.

“I was listening to Tim Sherwood on the TV and he was making some really good points about the effect having fans there has on players and how some really embrace it and how some don’t.

“Some possibly enjoy it without fans where there’s maybe a little less pressure, especially away from home.

“But I think if you ask any player what they prefer, it would definitely be to have fans and you thrive off it.

“I think having the fans there will give us an advantage but I also think it will give the other side a lift as well after what’s happened with the pandemic, going from no noise to some noise.

“It will lift both sides but we’ll have up to 1,000 fans there and that’s going to definitely help us.”

Colchester boast one of the best home records in League Two, having taken 17 points from a possible 21 in their first seven league matches, at the Community Stadium.

“We’ve had it for a few years now where we’ve become a really strong team at home,” said Ball.

“We have to improve our away form that’s for sure but five wins and two draws from seven home games is great form.

“It’s important now that we move on from the Crawley game and make that draw into a win on Saturday.

“Every single gaffer that we’ve spoken to after the game has talked about how good our home form has been.

“I think they’ve prepped accordingly; a little bit wary and pressing a lot of time and some sitting back.

“But they’ve angled their prep on us being a good home side and I think we have to use that as a positive and maybe get on the front foot in games.”