Colchester United fan Si Collinson gives his views on the U's

But driving away from the ground there was a sense of maybe it was more two points dropped, rather than one gained.

This was because personally I felt we set up wrongly and also were the architects of our own downfall in how we conceded the equaliser so late in the first half.

We started brightly and were unlucky to to go in front earlier when a sweet strike from Freddie Sears hit the post and luck was against us and the visitors saw the ball fly away from the goal rather than into the net.

But the U’s were rewarded for their hard work when Noah Chilvers scored for the second week running – no doubt in the process highlighting to League One teams why he should be on their radar.

From then on we seemed to ease off and drop a gear and this gave Carlisle a bit of hope.

They piled on the pressure that gave them the equaliser just before the break.

It was goal that we could not say hadn’t been coming and a failure to close the ball down quick enough allowed a good cross into the box that was guided beyond Hornby into the waiting net.

Both teams had their chances in the second half and I think on the balance of things, we were the stronger side and had the better chances.

But we were not clinical enough in the final third and at times were guilty of overplaying instead of keeping it simple.

This brings me on to my main point and how I feel we set up wrongly.

Now before everyone jumps down my throat, I am aware that tactics are something that can be debated and there will always be reasons that are unknown to fans as to why we play a certain way; it could be as simple as trying to overload the midfield and hit Carlisle on the overloads out wide.

But for me, it was criminal not playing two strikers up top, with three in midfield and the ever-reliable Skuse screening a back four.

This is a formation that has worked well for us in pre-season and last week at Northampton, but for some unknown reason we set up more defensively even though we should have been more on the front foot taking the game to the visitors.

Without the support of big John Akinde, Sears was having to chase down everything.

At times we were able to get the ball in the box but no one was there to do anything with it, as Freddie had been the one to deliver then ball to a non-existent partner.

Yes it is all ifs and buts; however, as the home team we should be attack minded and not inviting pressure.

The subs did make a difference, with Frank Nouble adding a new dimension for the visiting defence to deal with and shows we do have options on the bench to turn to.

But for me, the starting XI was not the strongest given the balance of options.

Of course, there will be unknowns to us supporters and that is why Wayne as his team are paid what they are in order to make the most informed decisions and set us up as they see best.

All the above aside, it was good to see the lads playing at home in stripes from our seats of choice.

Once the last few bits click, we have the underlying ability to turn games like this from draws to victories.

But this lightbulb moment needs to happen soon to ensure we start to get these wins and don’t lose any ground while trying to complete the puzzle.

Roll on the next two away games, Ipswich in the EFL Cup and League Two new boys Stockport on Saturday.

Hope to see the great support continue and let's cheer the lads on to victory. Up the U’s.