Kevin Lisbie feels Colchester United’s emphatic win at Norwich proves they can match any team this season.

And he has challenged his U’s team-mates to maintain their winning form against Leyton Orient tonight, in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Lisbie was in red-hot form for Colchester at Carrow Road, in his first appearance since sealing a season-long loan from Ipswich Town.

He netted twice in the U's 7-1 drubbing of the Canaries and the Jamaica international believes that amazing win can be the foundation for a successful season, in Coca-Cola League One.

He told the Gazette: “I hope it sends out a message to people.

“But more importantly, it’s a message to us that we can go to places like Norwich this season and get good results.

“I wouldn’t have come to Colchester if I didn’t think they could get promoted.

“We showed that against Norwich and now we have to do it every week.”

Lisbie admitted even he had to pinch himself last weekend, as the goals rained in at Carrow Road.

The 30-year-old – who spent a month on loan at Norwich in 2005 – bagged a brace inside the opening 38 minutes to get his second spell at Colchester off to a memorable start.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said former Charlton Athletic striker Lisbie.

“It was like we were scoring every five minutes but it wasn’t just the strikers.

“I think the whole team did well against Norwich.

“The defence were awesome and so were the midfield.

“The fact that I scored twice on the opening day went over my head really, considering everything that happened.

“I haven’t played in a game for five weeks or so, so it was just good to be back out there again.”

Lisbie has now turned his attentions to Colchester’s Carling Cup clash with Leyton Orient.

The tie will see former U’s boss Geraint Williams return to the dugout at the Weston Homes Community Stadium for the first time since he left his role as Colchester manager, last September.

Williams brought Lisbie to Colchester on a free transfer two years ago and the striker has nothing but respect for his former manager.

Lisbie added: “It will be nice to see George (Geraint).

“He’s a good man and I know I’ll keep him in touch with him for a very long time.

“Hopefully we can continue from the Norwich win tonight and go on and be a force this season.”