ON the outskirts of the East End, it was a dramatic ending to behold.

When Colchester United trailed by two goals at the league leaders with only a minute of normal time remaining, not even the most optimistic of their fans would have predicted anything other than a fifth successive defeat for their side.

So the manner in which the U’s launched a barnstorming late comeback to snatch a draw from defeat at Leyton Orient was truly something to savour.

For much of this competitive clash at Brisbane Road, the visitors gave as good as they got against an O’s side who look on course to lift the League Two title and with the best home record in the division.

READ MORE: U's boss Ben Garner on Leyton Orient draw

Ben Garner’s side matched their hosts in all areas of the pitch, restricting them to few opportunities and giving them little time on the ball.

It was a spirited performance but despite that, Colchester trailed by two goals and looked destined to suffer another defeat without scoring.

But when defender Connor Hall headed in Matt Jay’s corner at the near post in the 89th minute, it suddenly gave the U’s and their 700-plus away following renewed hope.

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And those same fans were left delirious when Noah Chilvers rocketed a cracking strike into the top corner from the edge of the area, in the second minute of stoppage time.

Given all of the euphoria of Colchester’s late comeback, the fact that they were sucked closer to the relegation zone after results elsewhere seemed cruel.

 

The U’s are now only five points above the bottom two but the reality is that more performances like this, coupled with the spirit and character shown and there should be no reason for them to be concerned in their remaining nine games.

READ MORE: U's launch stirring comeback to claim away draw

Crucially, Colchester must use their battling draw at Leyton Orient as a platform from which to build.

Importantly, they have ended a four-match losing streak along with a goal drought that had stretched nearly ten hours by the time Hall headed the U’s back into the game, at Brisbane Road.

After a testing five-match sequence against sides chasing promotion, Colchester now have back-to-back home games against Tranmere Rovers and AFC Newport County who currently reside in mid-table.

With teams around them and below them picking up points, it is vital the U’s rediscover their home form and capitalise on the momentum gained by their late, late show.