Colchester United have conceded late goals in 13 matches

The U’s looked as though they were heading for a point at Stadium MK on Boxing Day after a defensive rearguard, only to concede in the 89th minute to lose 1-0 and return to North Essex empty handed.

It was a hugely disappointing outcome for Matty Etherington’s side, especially as they had held their hosts at bay for as long as they had.

But sadly, it was by no means the first time this season that Colchester have suffered late heartbreak.

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Indeed, conceding late goals has been a problem for the U’s from the very start of the campaign.

Ellis Harrison’s last-gasp strike proved the winner on Boxing Day for MK Dons, who had struck late to win the match between the two sides at the JobServe Community Stadium earlier in the season.

In that match back in August, the U’s were 2-1 up and seemingly heading for victory before Alex Gilbey’s 88th-minute equaliser and then Matt Dennis’s 90th minute winner secured a turnaround win for the visitors.

In total, Colchester have conceded goals on and after the 79th minute in 13 of their league and cup matches, this season.

And on six of the occasions, it has had a direct impact in terms of them dropping crucial points.

More than a quarter of the goals Colchester have conceded have been in the 81st minute or later.

That has proved a vital factor, with many of the U's games this season being decided by only one goal.

Former Colchester defender Omar Sowunmi’s stoppage-time equaliser for Sutton United against his old club proved particularly detrimental.

It denied the U’s what would have been a precious three points against a fellow struggling side.

On the flipside, Colchester have scored their fair share of late goals too, this season.

Joe Taylor and Jayden Fevrier have struck in the 90th and 89th minute respectively in recent weeks but crucially, they have only been consolation goals rather than anything that has affected the outcome of the match.

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So why are Colchester conceding so late in so many games, this season?

More stoppage time is being added at the end of the matches, giving teams the opportunity to strike in the final stages.

The EFL recently revealed figures highlighting an increase in playing time, which has coincided with a rise in goals across all three divisions.

EFL league matches are averaging 2.77 goals per match so far this season, compared to 2.44 in the 2022-23 campaign.

But often for the U’s, it has been a cause of both physical and mental fatigue, as was the case at MK Dons, on Boxing Day.

The chances are that Colchester would have successfully defended Jack Payne’s 89th minute free-kick that was whipped into their area, had it been earlier in the contest.

But instead, the delivery was allowed to sail into their six-yard box unchallenged and to be touched home by Harrison.

The absence of skipper Connor Hall, who had been replaced a few minutes earlier having given everything to the cause on his second game back from injury, did not help matters, either.

Nevertheless, boss Etherington and his coaching staff must somehow find a solution to the problem of shipping late goals in the second half of the season, if it is not to inflict further damage on what is proving to be another testing campaign for Colchester.