THE last time Colchester United racked up more points at the start of a league campaign, they began by scoring six goals in their opening game.

The U’s start to the current season was perhaps a little less eye-catching, having started off with a goal-less draw at Notts County.

Not that there has been a shortage of excitement and entertainment from John McGreal’s side so far – far from it.

Colchester have obtained an impressive 15 points from their first eight games, following their 3-0 win over Cambridge United.

They are now League Two’s leading scorers with 17 goals and also boast the third-best defensive record in the fourth tier, having conceded just five times so far.

It is all going swimmingly for Colchester and their start to the 2001/02 campaign was similarly impressive.

Back then, they claimed 16 points from eight games was achieved in the 2001/02 season under Steve Whitton, thanks to wins over Chesterfield, Tranmere Rovers, Port Vale, Northampton Town and Oldham Athletic.

But in that time, they also lost to Swindon Town and Bristol City and the present-day Colchester side have only tasted defeat once, so far.

They are looking hard to beat particularly away from home, where they remain unbeaten after four impressive performances on the road.

Arguably the U’s biggest test so far on their travels so far will be this weekend when they head to play an Oldham Athletic side who are also performing well.

The Latics have had a similarly successful start to the new season, following their relegation from League One.

Oldham currently sit just a point behind Colchester in the table.

But McGreal’s side will be confident playing any side at the moment, such is their impressive form.

The player recruitment carried out by U’s chairman Robbie Cowling and director of football Tony Humes in the early part of the season is looking more impressive, with each week that passes.

The addition of Harry Pell, Frank Nouble and Luke Norris in particular has made a big difference and has complemented the rest of the talent in McGreal’s squad.

Many people feel that Colchester's next two or three games will serve as a barometer to measure their progress, this season.

After the trip to Boundary Park, they have back-to-back home games seventh-placed Bury and then Yeovil Town, who are lie just a point off the U's in the table.

There are some tough tests ahead but given Colchester's consistency so far, there is no reason why they cannot maintain their fine form.