Colchester aiming for October clean sweep

Colchester United are targeting a clean sweep of victories this month after Harry Anderson became the second player to score a hat-trick in successive home league games.

Anderson's treble came in the first half of Saturday's 3-1 win over Harrogate, two weeks after his two goals against Barrow were the supporting act to Jack Payne's hat-trick.

The U's have now won four games this month in all competitions and have moved up to 14th in League Two.

"It's a bit surreal really. You're always happy to get on the scoresheet - and to get three is amazing. My little boy was here so he got to see that," Anderson told BBC Essex Sport.

"We're working hard in training, putting the patterns together and we're starting to put them out on the pitch.

"We've got goals coming from all sorts of players and that's a really good thing to have - it's not easy for the other team when anyone can stick it in the back of the net at any time."

Anderson, who had never before scored a hat-trick, admitted Colchester's margin of victory over their north Yorkshire opponents should have been greater.

"At 3-1, I know you've got a two-goal advantage but it's not always that comfortable, things can change so quickly," the 28-year-old added.

"There were a couple of chances we maybe could have put away and put the game to bed."

Making it five wins in a row will be no easy task on Saturday when the U's travel to fourth-placed Swindon Town.

"Everyone is a good side in this league and you've got to make sure you're on your game every week, otherwise anyone can take the points," added Anderson.

"We just need to stay humble, keep working hard on the things that are making us good at the minute and work even harder on the things that aren't working as well. If we keep doing that, I'm sure we'll keep getting wins and keep scoring goals.

"To have got the three goals means a lot to me. I can enjoy it now but we've got some important games coming up and my aim is to get another three in the next few."