Colchester United find themselves in a precarious position in the League Two table, however, they will be buoyed by Saturday’s draw against league-leaders Mansfield Town.
The Essex-based outfit currently sit 22nd in the division, only one point above the drop zone. However, the side does have three games in hand on their nearest competitor, Sutton United. The U’s have two potentially season-defining games over the Easter weekend, as they host Newport County on Good Friday, followed by a trip to the North-West to face Tranmere Rovers on Easter Monday.
Saturday’s match saw Colchester take the lead in the 13th minute as Harry Anderson scored his second goal for the club since joining on loan from Stevenage in the January transfer window. That move saw him link up with former manager Danny Cowley, who also only joined the side in early January. Their lead lasted until the 63rd minute when Lewis Brunt equalised for the home side and despite some great chances for striker Will Swan, it was the only one they could score before the final whistle blew.
Since then, his side have only managed to grab a single victory in an away game against Morecambe. Although, the relegation-threatened club have not been losing masses of games, but have instead become somewhat of a draw specialists, as the weekend’s result was their fifth 1-1 draw in six matches.
Turning the draws into victories is something brothers Danny and Nicky Cowley will be hoping to rectify sooner rather than later, and the players understand that doing this will ensure survival.
“We came away from playing the league leaders feeling frustrated that we hadn’t won,” Anderson told the Essex Gazette. “It just shows how far we’ve come and now the next nine games are massive and we can get some more points on the board.
The former Lincoln City wide-man, who has also appeared for Peterborough United, went on to outline how strong his team have been in recent weeks.
“We went toe to toe with the leaders and we can’t be scared of anyone in this league. I feel like we’re playing really well and hopefully we can start turning those draws into wins. It’s quite a fine line but we’re nearly there.”
The U’s now have nine games to secure their position as a Football League side next season.
Writer’s View
Harry Anderson has ultimately hit the nail on the head here. The Cowley brothers have turned their team into one who are tough to beat and can create some good chances, however, draws will be unlikely what will keep them in the division.
With Forest Green Rovers and Sutton both improving their form in recent weeks, Colchester know that victories will be needed sooner rather than later, and this weekend’s fixture could be a great opportunity for them to get them.
