COLCHESTER United’s solitary point against Tranmere Rovers could prove crucial, come the end of the season.

But the U’s edgy draw will have done little to have eased the ongoing relegation worries of their fans.

It was a frustrating afternoon in many respects but at least the dropped points at home did not change Colchester’s overall predicament, with Hartlepool United also drawing after striking late to hold leaders Leyton Orient.

Nevertheless, this felt a little like a missed opportunity for Ben Garner’s side, especially on the back of their commendable draw at Brisbane Road.

After a bright opening, Colchester produced a rather flat first-half performance after falling behind to Harvey Saunders’ 13th-minute opener.

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The U’s improved after half-time though and Noah Chilvers’ penalty was deserved reward for their second-half endeavour and persistence.

On the plus side, the hosts showed commendable spirit for the second successive game to recover from a losing position to take something from the game.

Arthur Read made a difference after coming on in the first half, while fellow substitutes Jayden Fevrier, Matt Jay, John Akinde and Freddie Sears made a positive impact in the second half. 

But at this stage of the season, in their predicament, it is wins they need especially in home matches against teams situated in mid-table.

Not that Tranmere played like a team residing in the middle of the division.

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Despite being managerless, the visitors were fully committed, played some attractive football and were desperate to win, perhaps reflected in the 13 bookings that were shown over the course of the 90 minutes in total by referee Carl Boyeson.

Boyeson incurred the wrath of the home fans when he failed to award Colchester a second-half penalty, after Samson Tovide went down under veteran goalkeeper Joe Murphy’s challenge.

Colchester remain five points above the relegation zone with eight games remaining.

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It is a similar scenario for them next weekend, when Newport County, currently situated in 17th position, are the next to visit the JobServe Community Stadium where the U’s really need to improve their form and goal ratio.

Colchester have not won at home since January 1 and desperately need to end a seven-match winless run to ease the pressure.

There are some tough tasks ahead, with the likes of promotion-chasing Stevenage and Salford City still to play, while the game at fellow strugglers Crawley Town on April 18 looks key.

But overcoming their home hoodoo against Newport will mean that game in West Sussex will perhaps be a little less crucial for the U's, in their battle to beat the drop.