IT was somewhat ironic that in the aftermath of a Colchester United goal-less draw, much of the post-match talk should be dominated by the actions of a striker.

Unfortunately for the U’s, it was Luke Norris’s demeanour after he had left the pitch that caught the eye against Morecambe, rather than any particularly eye-catching play that had occurred on it.

Norris was quick to apologise to his team-mates and manager for his reaction to being substituted with 17 minutes remaining of his side’s frustrating goal-less draw, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The U’s joint leading scorer was not best pleased with John McGreal at being replaced by Mikael Mandron, reluctantly shaking his manager’s hand before storming towards the bench.

Norris is the first to admit that he should not have let his frustration get the better of him, after being taken off.

But his reaction was understandable in that it was a reflection of both his and his team-mates’ annoyance at being unable to break down a well-drilled and supremely organised Morecambe defence.

Indeed, it is an irritation that has manifested itself after two disappointing home results over the Christmas period where Colchester have ultimately failed to capitalise on the similar slip-ups of their rivals currently sitting in and around the top six.

The decline in the U’s goal ratio over recent weeks has undoubtedly played a part in the fact that they have only managed to collect one point from a possible six against first Stevenage and now Morecambe.

Indeed, McGreal’s side have not managed more than one goal in a match since beating Crawley Town 3-1, back on October 13.

A modest return of eight goals in their last 12 league matches is a far cry from their prolific form, in the first quarter of the season.

But as they have shown earlier in the campaign, there is no doubting that Colchester have the necessary fire-power.

Norris and Sammie Szmodics have a healthy total of 16 goals between them so far and 13 different players have found the net for them this season, proving that they are capable of scoring from all over the field.

The key for McGreal and his side is to rediscover that kind of form and what better way to do so than in the opening game of 2019, at Crawley Town.