RILEY Harbottle insists Colchester United will be going all out to win both of their final games of the season and secure their League Two status.
The U’s lie three points above the relegation zone with two matches remaining and know a point from those games will ensure they stay in the EFL.
Colchester host in-form Doncaster Rovers tomorrow night before finishing their season with a home clash with fifth-placed Crewe Alexandra, this weekend.
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The U’s were unable to seal their League Two spot for next season after losing 1-0 at Notts County last weekend but on-loan Hibs defender Harbottle admits it is down to them to finish the job.
Harbottle, 23, said: “We’re just concentrating on ourselves and it’s on us to keep ourselves up.
“If we’d picked up a point (at Notts County) we would have been safe but we’ve got two more games to pick up a point.
“We’ll definitely go into those games trying to win them and we’re a good enough squad and side to be competing.
“No games in this league are easy but we know the strength that we’ve got in the squad and how good we can be.
“We can match any team in this league – we’ve shown that against Mansfield, Wrexham and Stockport in the last few games and we’ve competed with all of them.
“The main aim is picking up the points and staying safe.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves - football comes around quick and we have to bounce back and it’s down to us to stick together and get three points on Tuesday.”
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Harbottle returned to the starting line-up for the first time since February 27 in their match at Notts County.
The Nottingham-born defender, who came through Nottingham Forest’s academy, had family watching the game at Meadow Lane and almost capped his appearance with a goal when his late header struck a post.
“I loved it – every time I step out onto that pitch I enjoy it,” said Harbottle.
“I’ve had a bit of time out of the team but during that time, we picked up two good results and that’s the most important thing.
“Nottingham is my home town and I’m an ex-Forest and Mansfield player.
“Nottingham is a great footballing city.
“I had a few family and friends in the Notts County end and my Dad (Dave Harbottle) had a time playing here.
“I was a bit disappointed not to score with my chance at the end.
“I’ve probably got to take that one.
“I got away from my man but it wasn’t meant to be.
“It would have been nice to score and I’m disappointed I didn’t but we move onto Tuesday night.
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“We want to thank the fans; they came again in their numbers and they did brilliant, every single week.
“We love the support they give us; we’re trying, stick with us and hopefully, we’ll give them something to smile about at the end of the season.”
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