What a huge pity that one of Colchester United’s biggest home league crowds ever at the Weston Homes Community Stadium had to endure such a sub-standard performance and result at the weekend.

Sadly, it’s not the first time the U’s have fluffed their lines when given the chance to potentially win over new fans in the eight years they have resided at the stadium.

Past home games against Leeds United, Norwich City and most recently, Southend United spring to mind as examples of the U’s failing to failing to rise to the occasion in front of a bumper attendance and seize the chance of luring more people back to the venue on a regular basis.

But Colchester’s home defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Leyton Orient was perhaps the alarming illustration of all.

At the end of a week where the U’s home attendances in the cup competitions made the headlines for the wrong reasons, a bumper attendance of 7,000 braved the wet conditions to take in the League Two basement battle.

Admittedly, the numbers were boosted by the club’s commendable Football in the Community Day which saw hundreds of youngsters flock to the stadium, many from grassroots clubs within the Colchester area.

What a shame they and the rest of those in the home sections were served up such a dire display by Colchester, in the relentless November rain.

By the end, any cheers that had been evident earlier in the afternoon had changed to jeers, which rang out as frustrated fans made their feelings known following an abject performance by the hosts.

Unfortunately, it was another indication that while the U’s are undoubtedly doing plenty of good things off the field, their continued inability to serve up winning football is proving damaging to all aspects of the club.

U's head coach John McGreal is still new to Football League management and deserves time to turn things around, particularly with the number of injuries he currently has to contend with.

But frustrations among supporters are undoubtedly growing.

And before and after the Leyton Orient game, a small group of Colchester fans directed their feelings towards chairman Robbie Cowling about the club’s current predicament.

McGreal made sure his players applauded the home supporters, after an abject performance.

But it will take more than mere acknowledgement to win back the confidence of the growing number of disaffected Colchester supporters, after this latest setback.

Only consistent results and a big improvement on the pitch will do that.