COLCHESTER United boss Danny Cowley admits it is vital there is competition for places in his attack ahead of a relentless fixture schedule.

The U’s embark on a run of five games in 14 days this weekend when they travel to play Walsall, aiming to move further up the League Two table.

Colchester are currently the division’s second highest goalscorers with 12 goals, having hit the net six times in their last two matches.

Lyle Taylor and Samson Tovide have hit five of those between them but the U’s also have the likes of Anthony Scully and Tom Hopper pushing for a start and boss Cowley knows it is vital to have plenty of options.

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Cowley said: “We’ve got good competition for places at the top end of the pitch which is so important, because you’ve only got to look at our programme for the next four to six weeks and the amount of games that are coming.

"Lyle and Samson are developing a good relationship, which is really important to us.

“I thought Anthony Scully played really well last Tuesday night (against MK Dons).

“It was great for him to get off the mark and he’s become a crowd favourite.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“We’ve also got the likes of Tom Hopper, Teddy Bishop, Owura Edwards, Jack Payne, Manny Egbo who are creating good chances as well for our attacking players.

“So, we feel we have a real threat offensively and we’ve got to keep working defensively.

“All of my successful teams have always been really, really good against the ball and have never conceded more than a goal a game.

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“That’s not just goalkeeper and back four – that’s a collective responsibility and an 11-man job.

“We have to make sure that we keep working at both sides of the game, because the successful teams do both ends of the pitch really well.”

Colchester are next in League Two action on Saturday when they travel to the Poundland Bescot Stadium to play Walsall in a 12.30pm kick-off.