THERE’S probably been more downs than ups for Colchester United, over recent years.

And Danny Cowley admits he is sampling the turbulent nature of trying to steer the U’s on an upward trajectory and away from League Two relegation danger.

“I like to have a steering wheel, I like to have control and at the moment, managing Colchester United feels a bit more like a rollercoaster,” said the U’s head coach, after seeing them play out a somewhat frustrating draw at bottom club Sutton United.

“We have to try to find a way of getting more control but it’s not for the want of trying.”

READ MORE: Steve Morison's verdict on Sutton's draw with Colchester United

Colchester’s game at Sutton was never going to be pretty, given the league position of the two sides and the unpredictable nature of the Gander Green Lane pitch.

So it proved; nevertheless, it was an absorbing, hugely competitive affair, with the high level of commitment from both teams making up for any lack of quality.

A 1-1 draw was probably the right result, one that suits Colchester marginally more than it does Sutton but both sides will feel that they had opportunities to win the game.

The U’s will reflect on Arthur Read’s effort that rattled a post and goalkeeper Steve Arnold’s saves from Read and Jayden Fevrier and Cameron McGeehan’s effort disallowed for offside, while the hosts will look back on Riley Harbottle’s acrobatic goal-line clearance from Harry Smith and Owen Goodman’s saves from former U’s midfielder Craig Eastmond and specifically, his crucial penalty stop to deny Smith, in the closing stages.

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For Goodman, it was the perfect response to any criticism that had come his way in recent weeks following goals conceded against Harrogate Town and Forest Green Rovers and Colchester were indebted to their goalkeeper for helping them secure a point.

Nevertheless, their performance was generally a little disappointing and they could easily have been beaten.

“We need to play for longer, be better for longer, make better decisions; we have to do the basics well,” admitted Cowley, who has seen his Colchester side draw five of his first seven games since his appointment, last month.

READ MORE: Colchester United fans have their say on Sutton United draw

Without doubt, the U’s are now a more competitive side with Danny and Nicky Cowley in charge.

They have lost only once since their arrival but despite that, are still only five points above the relegation zone with 13 games to go with some tough tests ahead.

Colchester have become much tighter at the back and have conceded nine goals in the Cowleys’ first seven games in charge.

But at the other end, they have struggled for goals and last month’s departure of top scorer Joe Taylor is now proving detrimental.

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The U’s have been ahead in three of their last four matches but have only taken three points in that time; one of the main reasons for that has been their inability to score a second goal and press home their advantage.

Nearly 800 Colchester fans were at Sutton yesterday and their reaction at the final whistle would suggest that they have full faith in the Cowleys to lift the club away from relegation danger.

“Wow, how good were they? I want a lot more for our supporters,” said Cowley afterwards.

READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Sutton United draw

“They were just incredible.

“They just took over the ground and they were brilliant from the first minute to the last minute.”

With thoughts now turning to a tricky trip to Salford City on Tuesday night, the U’s will be hoping to give their fans a few more ups than downs in this rollercoaster ride of a season.