BEN Garner said it was nice to rediscover a winning feeling after his Colchester United side won 2-1 at Cambridge United, in the EFL Trophy.

First-half goals from Samson Tovide and Chay Cooper proved enough to secure the U's victory in their Group D encounter at the Abbey Stadium, despite Gassan Ahadme's stoppage-time penalty.

It was the perfect response for Colchester after their 5-0 drubbing at Forest Green Rovers last weekend and boss Garner, who made eight changes to his starting line-up, was pleased with the performance.

READ MORE: Cambridge United 1 Colchester United 2 - match report

Garner said: "That was much more us, the quality, the bravery, lots of quality and pleasingly, a few different options for Saturday with some of the players that have come in and taken an opportunity.

"We were so much better with the ball.

"We were freer, we showed a lot more bravery and courage, we showed a lot more purpose and it was much more us, how we should look on a weekly basis.

"It was nice to get that winning feeling back and nice to get a positive performance.

"Hopefully we kick on and take that momentum into Saturday now.

"It was the reaction we wanted.

Gazette: Colchester United

"We've been disappointed with the last three games and we now have got to show that level of performance and identity in league games.

"The proof is in the pudding on Saturday - we've got a very difficult game in Harrogate who are a really well organised team and have really good threat.

"We have to make sure that we're focused and perform to our levels.

"We don't want to be on this rollercoaster where we're up and down.

READ MORE: Cambridge United 1 Colchester United 2 - as it happened

"We have to be a bit more clear with what we're doing and consistent with what we're doing and I think that will help us progress more steadily, if you like."

Garner was pleased with the nature of Colchester's two goals, both scored before half-time.

"We were ruthless," said Garner.

"The first goal was excellent, with the transition, forward pass, great finish.

"And then Chay does brilliantly for the second one, closing him down.

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"So I think another really good night for the academy, with the amount of players out there on the pitch and combining and getting the goal was a nice moment."

Garner switched to four at the back for the Cambridge game, going away from the familiar 3-4-1-2 formation he has deployed in League Two this season.

"It was mainly due to personnel, to be honest," added Garner.

"We're not blessed with a massive amount of defenders fit at the moment and we just felt that with the personnel that we wanted to play that system suited it and that was the best way to go tonight."