Colchester United fanatic and South Stand season-ticket holder Ollie Garnett gives his view on all things U’s

CHANCES are running out.

We played Portsmouth on Saturday and it’s fair to say they were by far the best team that have visited us all season.

It’s hard to admit, but sometimes you just have to accept that you’ve been outclassed - in all areas - by a much better team.

Although the opening atmosphere was one of the best we’ve had at home all season, the U’s never really got into the game and, as a result, the South Stand fans were a little bit subdued and unfortunately we were unable to carry on from where we left off at Cambridge.

The early Pompey goal deflated us and the three further goals all knocked us back further.

After the opening 30 minutes, it was almost impossible to see how the U’s were going to get back into the game.

Portsmouth went home with the three points and thoroughly deserved it.

We were outplayed.

It’s just one of those games where we have to accept the thrashing and move on.

Quite a few fans are getting frustrated with Chris Porter and rightly so.

He isn’t seeing much of the ball and when he does, he’s losing it more often than not.

But is this his fault? Personally, I believe he’s being isolated and has no-one near to play off him.

When he’s played right, he’s been clinical in front of goal but he’s lacked that in recent games.

I would love to see him play up front with Bonne.

We face Mansfield tonight. A Steve Evans side that will fight for anything.

At least it won’t be as cold and wet as it was for the away game in December.

Both teams are struggling for form but I believe we could edge them if we start two up front.

This game is our last chance to get back on track.

Although we are only three points away from a play-off position, we cannot afford to drop any more points against the teams around us.

I reckon we will do it tonight, but I’m very pessimistic when it comes to looking at the possibility of reaching the play-offs. Our injuries are showing. Can we cope?