Colchester United striker John Akinde insists there is still confidence and belief within the squad that the club can remain in League Two, according to a Colchester Gazette report.
The U’s suffered defeat to promotion-chasing Wrexham at the weekend and find themselves a point adrift of safety in the basement division but have three games in hand over 22nd-place Sutton United.
Akinde, who fired his side into the lead against the Welsh outfit, insists his side have what it takes to beat the drop.
The former Lincoln City man said, “There is belief and confidence. Since the gaffer and Nicky (Cowley) have come in, I think it’s shown that we’re in games and challenging against the top of the league.”
Colchester will need all that ability to compete with the top teams as they prepare for Tuesday’s showdown with league leaders Stockport County.
Since the Cowley brothers arrived at The JobServe Community Stadium, United have taken 15 points from 15 matches. They are certainly hard to break down, but too many draws in that period have meant they currently occupy the final relegation spot.
Akinde continued, “We’ve got to find a way as a group to turn the ‘almost’ into ‘definitely’.”
“We just have to defend better as a team, score more goals and start making sure it’s three points rather than draws.”
“We’re together and we’re ready for the battle – we’ve just got to make sure we turn those performances into wins.”
The striker, who at 34 years old is the eldest member of The U’s squad, echoed the thoughts of his manager saying the side performed well but has to do it for the full 90 minutes.
“I think we performed quite well for 60 minutes but the last 30 wasn’t good enough.”
“We need to do it for 90 minutes not 60 or 70 or whatever it is – they got on top and they capitalised which was quite hurtful and painful because we performed well for large parts of the game.”
It was the Gravesend-born striker’s first League Two goal of the season and he is determined to help his team in any way he can to ensure survival.
“I want to help in any way that I can, whether it’s scoring goals, clearing one off the line, defending well, whatever it is.”
Writer’s View
Colchester’s run-in does not look easy. After leaders Stockport, they face a challenging trip to playoff-hunting Crawley Town.
Predicting where the points will come from is not easy but the games in hand and the difficulty to beat instilled by the Cowleys should see The U’s to safety.
He may only have one goal in the division so far, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see John Akinde play a pivotal role over the next six games.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
