Brian Wilson admitted Colchester United’s 1-1 draw with Carlisle United felt more like a defeat after they squandered the chance to close in on the play-off places.

The U’s remain six points off the top-six with eight games remaining after they played out their fifth successive draw in League One, following a share of the spoils with the sixth-placed Cumbrians.

Midfielder Martin Rowlands gave Colchester the lead with a fine goal, five minutes after half-time.

But James Berrett equalised midway through the second half and despite putting the visitors under pressure late on, the U’s were unable to force a winner.

U’s right-back Wilson conceded failing to hold on for three vital points was a bitter pill to swallow.

Wilson said: “I think it felt more like a defeat than a win and the last few games have been like that.

“We’ve drawn too many games but of the five games we’ve drawn, I think we’ve deserved to win at least two or three of them.

“Had we won that it would have put us right up there and we were unable to hold on to a lead, which has killed us a little bit.

“The lads are very disappointed we couldn’t hold on for the three points.

“We’ve played some good sides recently but we’re a good side ourselves, so let’s not kid ourselves.

“We played some good football and done well over the last few weeks, which we should be proud of.

“But drawing too many games has been our downfall.”

See Monday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full match report, reaction and pictures from the U's game with Carlisle United.