If John McGreal’s side are to achieve the unlikely and clinch a coveted League Two play-off spot, they will surely need to demonstrate the same level of work rate and desire they showed at Mansfield Town in each and every one of their remaining fixtures.

That begins this Saturday with their home game against struggling Yeovil Town, a team who currently sit eight points above the relegation zone and who have lost their last four fixtures, in all competitions.

It might be a cliché but this is a must-win game for the U’s, especially given the high calibre of opposition they will face in the final weeks of the campaign.

On the back of an encouraging away point at Mansfield last weekend, they simply cannot afford a repeat of the dire performance and result they served up in their last home game against Barnet, if they are to keep their outside play-off hopes alive.

At least at the oldest football ground in the world last Saturday, Colchester bought themselves some valuable time in their outside promotion shot.

Their 1-1 draw at Field Mill against fifth-placed Mansfield was just what the doctor ordered, particularly after disappointing back-to-back defeats against sides struggling against relegation.

Importantly, it also cut the gap between the U’s and the top-seven places to six points, despite them dropping into the bottom half of the table as a result.

With only ten games left this season and with a whole cluster of sides still in contention for a play-off spot, to say Colchester require wins rather than draws in their remaining fixtures is something of an understatement.

Nevertheless, this was a credible away point against a side with genuine hopes of automatic promotion; the palpable frustration of the home fans at the final whistle demonstrated that.

The Stags’ inability to secure the victory they had sought was mainly down to Colchester’s performance – and more specifically, the visitors’ commitment to the cause.

That desire was epitomised by midfielder Tom Lapslie, who produced a typically whole-hearted performance on his return to Colchester’s starting line-up.

His excellent attitude was typified by his resolve to remain on the pitch in the first half, despite suffering a nasty bang on the head while making a challenge.

Lapslie’s impressive showing in the remainder of the game reflected his side’s overall display.

They will need plenty more committed performances from every single player between now and the end of the season, if they are to enjoy the memorable finish they crave.