Colchester United raised thousands for Ukraine humanitarian effort

But sometimes, what happens off the pitch is far more important.

Last night was a reminder of that, after Colchester United hosted their Game for Ukraine.

A crowd of 6,140 - nearly three times the average U's home crowd this season - flocked to the JobServe Community Stadium for the game against Forest Green Rovers.

Colchester's aim was to raise £100,000 for Ukrainian refugees by selling every seat in their stadium, for the discounted £10 admission fee.

They covered all costs on the night, with all of the cash raised via ticket sales and the JustGiving page going to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, via the British Red Cross.

More than £60,000 has been raised on the night, all of which will be going to help those who desperately need it.

It was a magnificent gesture by U's chairman and owner Robbie Cowling and one that went far above any football matters.

"It will bring significant aid to those individuals that it does reach and I’m really hopeful that other clubs will follow suit," said Mr Cowling.

"If that happens then the total funds raised really can make a significant difference."

Last night was all about raising cash for a very worthy need.

But on a secondary note, it was a great advert for Colchester United and what they are about as a club in front of the live TV cameras.

Robbie Cowling has had his fair share of critics, especially over recent months.

But the owner and chairman deserves huge praise for the magnanimous gesture and his decision to raise cash, for a magnificent cause.

The only pity on the night was that Colchester's players were unable to claim victory, on the pitch.

The U's, sporting the yellow and blue colours of Ukraine as a one-off kit which will be auctioned off to raise more funds for the Red Cross Appeal, pushed leaders Forest Green close.

But they were ultimately defeated by Matty Stevens' header, early in the game.

It was a poor goal for Colchester to concede.

But despite not having won in seven matches prior to last night's match, Rob Edwards' side showed why they are likely to win the League Two title, this season.

They looked dangerous in attack, particularly in the first half and managed the game well after half-time.

But this was by no means a poor performance from the U's, against a very good side.

Indeed, a lot of it was pretty good.

Much like they had at another promotion hopeful Bristol Rovers last week, they stayed in the game despite falling behind.

And they were unlucky not to grab an equaliser when substitute Junior Tchamadeu's strike came back off a post.

The defeat leaves Colchester eight points above the League Two relegation zone, with eight games remaining.

The U's host another promotion-chasing side - Tranmere Rovers - on Saturday where their credentials will be put to the test again.

They know they need to be sharper in both boxes in order to secure a win.

But while the Forest Green defeat was a disappointment, the night will be remembered for the club's gesture of raising a significant amount of money for a very worthy cause.