Greg Halford today insisted Colchester United could hold their own in the Coca-Cola Championship.

What a feeling - Colchester record their sixth consecutive victory with their 5-0 win over Gillingham. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK (46514-7)

The right-sided midfielder hit two sublime strikes in Saturday's 5-0 demolition of managerless Gillingham to leave the U's just out of the play-off spots by the slim margin of a two-goal difference in seventh place.

Halford, making his 100th appearance for the Layer Road side, said: "This team (Colchester) could play at a higher level - we could hold our own in the Championship.

"We may be a small club and have a limited budget.

"However, we've got good players and a good squad. Wednesday night's match proved that.

"We made eight changes that night for the LDV Vans second-round tie against Northampton Town and came through to win 3-2.

"Things are looking bright for us and I'm convinced that we can beat any team in this division."

Halford was on top form in the game against Gillingham. His brace brings his tally up to eight, something that has delighted his manager Phil Parkinson.

"If anyone knows a wide player who has already got eight goals this season I'd like to meet him," said Parkinson.

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Published Monday, November 28, 2005

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