Tony Humes believes a balance between youth and experience at Colchester United is helping to fuel his side’s march up the League One table.

The arrival of the likes of Marvin Sordell, Owen Garvan and Darren Ambrose has complemented the rise of U’s youngsters such as Alex Gilbey, Kane Vincent-Young and Macauley Bonne.

Colchester have claimed seven points from a possible nine in their last three games, lifting them to within three points of the play-off places.

The addition of the likes of Sordell, Garvan and Callum Harriott has seen competition for places increase and Humes believes his squad is looking healthy.

Humes said: “There are a lot of young players here who have been exposed to senior football and we have a nice balance between youth and experience now.

“We’ve brought players like Owen Garvan and Darren Ambrose in who’ve been around the top level and the young players will learn even more from them.

“There are players who aren’t even in the squad like Tom Lapslie, Tosin Olufemi and Drey Wright, at this moment in time.

“There are a number of players there who have played league football and the squad is looking quite healthy.

“A lot of that’s down to the hard work that has been done in the academy.

“They’ve had the opportunity over the last two or three years and it fits the philosophy that has been – and will be – in place.

“Joe (Dunne) gave Alex Gilbey and Drey Wright the opportunity and they’ve progressed via that.

“Since then, we’ve had the likes of Kent, Bonne, Szmodics and Sembie-Ferris coming through.”

Colchester are unbeaten in four league games and have hit the net ten times, in that period.

They have also conceded eight goals in that time but Humes was pleased with his side’s defensive display against Gillingham last weekend, despite a shaky start.

“Where we haven’t defended so well in recent weeks you have to praise the back four, because I thought they were outstanding,” added the U’s boss.

“The players have got the freedom to go out and express themselves.

“At times, it’s caused us problems because players get caught in the opposition half and teams can counter us or catch us with a long ball.

“But that’s the way we want to play and we’re not going to change.”

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