VICTORIA Park has brought mixed fortunes for Steven Gillespie over the years.

But in goalscoring terms at least, the venue has proved a profitable one for the Colchester United striker.

Gillespie netted twice on his U’s debut at Hartlepool United on the opening day of last season, though the game ended in a disappointing 4-2 defeat.

And he has also scored goals for former club Cheltenham Town at the ground, against the Pool.

Gillespie returns to Victoria Park again tomorrow with the U’s, aiming to help them secure a valuable win in their on-going play-off push.

Naturally, he is hoping to add to his goal tally there and galvanise Colchester’s promotion push.

Gillespie said: “I’ve always done well against Hartlepool.

“I scored twice against them on the opening day of last season and it seems a long time ago now.

“The Hartlepool game is a massive one for us.

“It’s an exciting time of the season for us and we’re confident we can win the game.

“When the pressure is on, you really see players stand up.”

Gillespie started Colchester’s defeat at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.

He has featured regularly for the U’s over recent weeks but has only found the net twice all season.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with my form,” said Gillespie, who made his first appearance of the season in Colchester’s 2-0 win over Hartlepool, last September.

“My general play isn’t too bad.

“But I’ve not scored as many goals as I would have liked.

“But if I stay in the team, I’m confident I can score a few.

“I had a few injuries when I first came to the club but now I feel my fitness is where it should be.

“I’ve been coming in for one or two games here and three or four games there.

“But I’m not making excuses.

“I’m in the team to score goals and if you go a couple of games without scoring, I know I might be out of the team.

“As a forward, I will be judged on the number of goals I score.”