TOM Lapslie admits the Easter weekend is a ‘make or break’ one for Colchester United.

The U’s head into their home clash with Grimsby Town today desperate for a win to keep their slim League Two play-off hopes alive, following a poor run of form.

John McGreal’s side have lost five of their last six matches, scoring just once in that time, leaving them five points off the top seven with only four games remaining.

Colchester follow up their game against Grimsby with a trip to play relegation-threatened Yeovil Town on Easter Monday and midfielder Lapslie admits the next few days are crucial for them.

Lapslie said: “We’re looking forward to a big weekend and we know that it’s a big opportunity for us, with six points to play for in four days.

“There’s no hiding from it – it’s a make or break weekend for us.

“We’ll know whether we’re in with a chance or not by next Tuesday.

“There’s pressure with it but we have to deal with it and adapt to it.

“This weekend is now our most important of the season.

“Morale is still good – we want to put things right.

“We’ve never been a day that fold or wallow in losses and I can promise you no-one is working harder than us to try and turn this bad run around.

“Hopefully one win will turn it around for the rest of the season.

“The other 42 games have gone now – we have to go out and win our next four games.”

Colchester host a Grimsby side who are without a win in their last nine matches and look destined for a mid-table finish in League Two but Lapslie is guarding against complacency.

“It’s what you would probably describe as a free hit for Grimsby,” said former U’s youth team player Lapslie.

“Some people will think that they’re not really going to be at it but it could be the complete opposite and they can play with absolute freedom.

“They’ll be trying to win a game of football and they’re definitely a dangerous animal.”

Colchester are hoping for a good turnout for today's game - and Lapslie says the supporters can play their part.

He said: “The fans are massive and if we can get them out today then it’ll be huge for us.

“They’ve been important for us all season.

“But it starts with us as well and we have to play well – if we do that and the boys put in a performance, hopefully the fans will get behind us.

“Everyone’s frustrated after the Bury game and what’s happened over the last couple of weeks, with the way it’s gone and the results that we’ve had.

“A couple of errors have led to goals lately.

“I thought we were very good in the first half against Bury and controlled the game and looked a threat on the counter.

“We’ve been working on trying to create chances and scoring goals again and it’s the whole team that need to do it.

“Mistakes have cost us but you have ten other players trying to dig you out of it and trying to stop the goal going in.

“We need a bit of a break and a bit of luck to go for us and I think once we get a goal and a win, it’ll take the pressure off everyone and the fans.

“Hopefully we can then go on a run.”