The fact that the post-match mood around the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday night bore a striking resemblance to the grey skies that had preceded the game said much about the high level of progress Colchester United have made over recent months at their home venue.

For 12 months ago or so, a draw on home territory would probably have been welcomed with open arms by many, given the U’s appalling record during the early months of their residency at the new stadium.

Supporters trudged to the ground more in hope than expectation during its infancy.

Now there is more of a spring in their step – but it is only recently that Colchester have looked comfortable in their more salubrious surroundings.

So perhaps the U’s failure to overcome a hard-working and organised Exeter City side should be put into perspective.

Without doubt, failure to beat a team struggling at the wrong end of the table was a big disappointment, particularly given the morale-boosting FA Cup victory of the previous week.

Colchester, at times, looked uninspired, disjointed and devoid of their usual fizz and badly missed the likes of Kevin Lisbie and John-Joe O’Toole. But one of the big plus points to come from the afternoon was their resilience; their desire to grind out a more positive outcome and determination to take something meaningful from the game.

U’s boss Aidy Boothroyd wants to see his side show more consistency.

But they are yet to lose in front of their own fans during his reign and have been beaten only once at home all season – against Leeds United back in August.

They say that excellent home form is crucial for any team with meaningful promotion aspirations.

And the U’s record at the Community Stadium suggests that their results in front of their own fans will be a significant component in their on-going drive to return to the Coca-Cola Championship.

Nonetheless, Colchester must learn lessons from their performance against Exeter.

They will know that they cannot afford to start so sluggishly and expect to take something from the game.

Next up for the U’s at the Community Stadium is a match against Stockport County next Tuesday, a side currently entrenched in the relegation zone.

The chances are that Boothroyd’s side will not have to battle the elements in the same way as they did against Exeter.

The question is, will they be able to return to the high standards their home supporters have now seemingly grown accustomed to?