Colchester United head coach John McGreal says the return of experienced duo Owen Garvan and George Elokobi played a big part in helping them end their winless run.

The key pair both made their first appearances of the season for the U’s in their 3-0 triumph at Cheltenham Town, helping them secure their first victory in 11 matches in League Two.

Elokobi was recalled from his loan spell at National League outfit Braintree Town to help Colchester secure their first league win since September 10, while Garvan made a long-awaited comeback from injury to impress at Whaddon Road.

McGreal said: “It’s the experience that we’ve been lacking and they led by example.

“I was very close to bringing George back for the Saturday game (against Yeovil).

“George has always been training with us all through his loan spell but he needed games.

“After analysing the Yeovil game, we have been lacking that experience with the boys that we’ve got.

“Owen put in a hell of a shift and I thought he was outstanding.

“He kept his composure and he was a voice in the dressing room, along with George (Elokobi) and it will pull these young boys on.

“He broke down a number of times throughout the first part of the season.

“We have a process that we go through at the club with injuries with the physio and sports scientist and it’s just taken a little bit longer than we thought for Owen to come back.

“He’s got quality in this division and he helped the boys along to get the points.

“Owen has been injured for three or four months, on and off.

“He’s a footballer and he wants to play football.

“It’s taken a little bit longer than he thought to get back in and around the team but he took his opportunity (against Cheltenham) and that’s what we want.”

Colchester were cheered on by 140 supporters in Gloucestershire, prompting praise from McGreal.

“The fans were fantastic,” he said.

“They’ve travelled up and down the country with us this season and the win is for them, the away fans.

“Hopefully now we can try and build on that and put a performance in at home against Crewe, on Saturday in front of our home fans.”