SCOTT Cuthbert believes today’s League One clash at Colchester could be make or break for the Essex outfit’s promotion ambitions.

The Us are winless in eight games, stretching back to February, and dropped out of the play-off places following a midweek win for Huddersfield.

Former Celtic defender Cuthbert, pictured, knows Town are in for a tough test at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon, but believes taking three points back to Wiltshire could have a huge psychological effect on their opponents.

“It makes it even tougher,” said Cuthbert, about Colchester’s recent run of form.

“Just recently they have fallen away and they could see us as their last chance to push on, have a go and see where it gets them.

“We expect them to come at us for the first 20 minutes and throw everything at us, much like the Leeds game.

“So it’s up to us to defend, stay strong, and when we do get the ball then play football the way we have been and cause them problems.”

The sides played out a 1-1 draw at the County Ground back in September, but Cuthbert reckons that fixture will have no significance this time around.

“I think it will be two different teams,” he said.

“That was their manager’s first game in charge so they’ve changed a lot since then.

“But we have too and have become much harder to break down. We’re working hard for each other and when we get the ball and pass it around then we create a lot of chances.

“It’s going to be a good game though - it’s two teams up there challenging, who will both go for it.”