JAMIE McCOMBE says Town must be ready to carry on battling as they take their promotion push back onto the road.

Lee Clark’s side, unbeaten in eight League I games this year, go to high-flying Bournemouth on Saturday and then struggling Dagenham and Redbridge next Tuesday.

Central defender McCombe, who won promotion from the division with Bristol City in 2007, believes Town have what it takes to get six points.

But the 28-year-old warned: “We have to be ready to battle, because these two matches are going to be tough.”

While third-placed Town took only a point from the goalless home draw with Oldham, McCombe believes there were plenty of positives.

“It’s always good to win games, but as the old saying goes, if you can’t win, don’t lose, and we grafted to maintain the momentum of our unbeaten run.

“Oldham are a very hard-working side, but we matched them in that respect, and created enough chances to have won. It wasn’t the prettiest of games, but it’s not always going to be pure football, especially at this stage of the season, and we showed we can do the other side of the game.

“That’s two consecutive clean sheets, and four in our last six games, and we want plenty more.

“We know what’s needed to win games at this level, and the boys are ready to roll up their sleeves and go for it.”

Town aim to become only the third team this season to win at Dean Court, now known as the Fitness First Stadium.

Colchester clinched a 2-1 triumph and Hartlepool a 1-0 victory.