Colchester United are battling to stay in League Two

There were some really good moments, including the well-worked goal scored by Cameron McGeehan and plenty of enthusiasm and determination but also key moments that cost them in both boxes and led to them contributing to their own downfall and ultimately, losing the game.

The amount of time that had elapsed between McGeehan’s equaliser for the U’s and penalty being saved – the U’s third missed spot-kick of the season - and Owen Goodman’s brilliant save from Paddy Madden and his costly error was almost identical.

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The inescapable truth is that both moments proved particularly pivotal for Colchester, in the context of the game.

“They do happen – there’s no recriminations, there’s no individual blame, it’s always a collective effort,” said U’s boss Danny Cowley, who was pleased with his side’s committed performance the league leaders.

It was the kind of plucky response that was required after the disappointing nature of the defeat against Wrexham at the weekend and the U’s showed that they are up for the fight.

Without doubt, there has been improvement made since the Cowleys arrived, in early January.

The U’s have become much harder to beat and have pushed League Two’s best two teams hard in the space of a few days.

But despite efforts and endeavour, they have ultimately emerged from their games against Stockport and Wrexham empty-handed; their position looks perilous.

With five games remaining to save their Football League status, it looks like it could well go right down to the wire.

At least Colchester’s relegation rivals Forest Green Rovers and Grimsby Town both also lost, last night.

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But the U’s remain in the relegation zone and a side that has managed only nine league wins in the entire league season must realistically muster at least a couple of victories, to stay in the Football League.

There is no escaping the fact that next Tuesday's home clash with Grimsby, who lie five points above Colchester in the table but having played a game more, is a huge fixture for both clubs and could play a big part in who goes down.

But before that, the U’s have a key game at play-off chasing Crawley Town, this weekend where a win could play a big part in helping them stay in the division.

It’s undoubtedly a tough task but Colchester have shown over the last few days that they can compete against the best in the division; they just need to stop shooting themselves in the foot.