Colchester United comment with Gazette sports writer Jon Waldron

THE press box at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park ground is temporarily situated behind one of the goals, while building work takes place in one of the main stands.

It was an unusual place from which to report on Colchester United’s game against the Pilgrims and the first time in my 14 seasons of covering the U’s that I had reported on one of their competitive matches from such a vantage point.

It was certainly a unique experience - but it had its advantages.

For one, I had a perfect view of the U’s attacking play in the second half – and how close they came to scoring.

When Tom Lapslie got a faint touch to Kane Vincent-Young’s precise cross from a few yards out, his effort not only just missed the target but also agonisingly diverted the ball away from the lurking Luke Norris at the back post.

It turned out to be a crucial moment in the match.

It was also a frustrating one for Colchester and no-one more so than the hard-working Lapslie, who had done well to get in that position in the first place but was inches away from converting.

A case of so near and yet so far, especially galling given the fact that a few minutes later, as so often is the way in football, Plymouth advanced down the other end to score what proved to be the winning goal.

The 200-plus U’s fans, situated next to the press box behind the goal, will have had a similar view to that missed opportunity – and no doubt a comparable sinking feeling.

Indeed, they will have seen how good their team was attacking wise in the second half, ultimately with no reward.

They were rightly appreciative of their side’s efforts after the final whistle but like the players and coaching staff, they want to see results.

Colchester more than matched much-fancied Plymouth.

But for all of their promise and enterprise, they got nothing for their efforts.

Harsh as it may seem, it is all very well creating chances but in the end, you have to have something to show for it.

And as well as a team might be playing, if the fine margins do not go in your favour you end up under pressure, even if performances suggest that should not be the case.

Football is a beautiful game but it can also be brutal and you have to make the fine margins work in your favour.

Tomorrow night's home Carabao Cup tie with Swindon Town provides an opportunity for Colchester to get their first win of the season under their belt.

If they can do that, preferably with a pleasing performance, it should set them up nicely for the derby clash with Cambridge United, this weekend.