Sam Stockley has admitted that life at Layer Road has been hard for the Colchester United faithful in recent weeks.

The popular U's defender acknowledged that last season's runs in the FA Cup, LDV Vans Trophy and best-ever finish in the League brought high expectations from the fans.

However, with the club exiting the LDV Vans Trophy in the first round and suffering a big fall from grace in the Coca-Cola League One after a tremendous start, life as a U's fan is far from great.

Stockley, though, is hoping him and his team-mates can bring some cheer over the seasonal period.

He said: "It's been difficult for the fans recently, especially with the success we had last season. But there is still 24 games to go in a League that is very tightly positioned with only a few points between teams.

"This holiday period is a good opportunity for is to get some points."

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Published Friday, December 24, 2004

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