Colchester United’s under-21s will be hoping to record back-to-back wins for the first time since September tonight.

The U’s play host to Crystal Palace in Professional Development League Two, fresh from last week’s excellent 2-0 win at Cardiff City.

John McGreal’s side will be in confident mood, heading into the game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And the U’s under-21 boss has revealed that there is a competitive edge running through the squad.

He said: “The competition within the under-21 environment is quite intense.

“It can be feisty in training at times and they don’t like losing games.

“We had the group last year and they’ve all come through together.

“It’s a talented group who want to win, especially after they had the league and cup success last season.”

Dion Sembie-Ferris and Tom Lapslie, who both made their senior debuts for the U’s earlier this month, are likely to feature against Palace.

The pair were both unused substitutes for Colchester’s 2-0 win at Peterborough United last Saturday, in League One.

McGreal believes the first-team recognition they have received from boss Tony Humes over recent weeks has been justified.

He said: “Dion and Tom both got their first taste of first-team action at Cardiff in the FA Cup and that’s what it’s about.

“They’re 18 or 19 years old and they got the opportunity to play at the Cardiff City Stadium.

“They got given an opportunity with the first team because they were doing particularly well for the under-21s.

“Credit to those two boys, because they’ve put in the shift and the hard work.

“They’ve deserved, because of what’s happened with the under-21s.

“Dion had an injury earlier this season which was unfortunate for him.

“But it’s allowed him to take a step back and take things in a bit, which I think has benefited him.”

Former Wycombe Wanderers player Anthony Jeffrey will get another chance to impress for Colchester, as will youngster Taylor Tombides.

Colchester host Crystal Palace at the Community Stadium tonight - kick-off is 7pm.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.