It was a similar story for Colchester to their last home game as countless attacks went unfinished before the away side, this week Oldham, grabbed a winner on the break at the end of the first half.
That goal, which was engineered by Connor Brown, fortunately for the Latics deflected off of Tom Eastman before hitting the back of the net.
Colchester relentlessly pushed for a goal in the second half but eventually lost a vital game in the battle for League One safety.
Considering the two team’s league positions a tense game was expected, and the first half was a cagey affair as both teams looked to find a route to goal.
The first chance fell to Alex Gilbey who completely unmarked steamed into the box, rocketing a header over the bar from Freddie Sears’ corner.
Colchester continued to pressure visiting Oldham but efforts from Gavin Massey and Sanchez Watt failed to test Paul Rachubka in goal.
Marcus Bean looked destined to score as he raced into the box, latching onto Massey’s lay off. However leaning back he fired well over, spurning another big chance for the U’s.
Whilst Oldham did have possession the attacking third they really couldn’t buy a chance with a forgettable early period. At the other end Brian Wilson had a free kick well saved by Rachubka.
However, just like the Tranmere game a few weeks ago, Colchester were punished for not taking their chances when Connor Brown forced the ball in to give Oldham a late first half goal.
Coming in from the right Brown lashed a ball from the by-line intended as a cross, Tom Eastman didn’t quite do enough as the ball bounced off of his foot looping up and over Sam Walker.
Oldham came out into the second half looking a braver side but looking for an immediate response it was Colchester providing the goal mouth action.
First Sanchez Watt came agonizingly close to meeting Massey’s cross but for good pressure from the defenders. Next it was Massey with the chance but his low drive deflected just wide of the post.
From the resulting corner Jabo Ibehre was denied from close range before Brain Wilson fizzed the ball back across goal but to no avail for Colchester.
Alex Gilbey was next up as he received from Massey and smashed a shot from 25 yards out which via a deflection bounced just over the bar with U’s still in search of an equaliser.
Sub Dom Vose added some extra energy in attack and nearly provided for Massey who took the ball down before rolling a shot inches wide of the post.
With the urgency rising for Colchester the Latics looked to run the clock down, taking three bookings in the process.
Vose was soon involved again as Sears led a counter attack and picked out the midfielder, his shot though couldn’t avoid the head of Jonathon Grounds, resulting in a corner.
Clinton Morrison and Drey Wright added to the U’s attack but for all their efforts the goal never came. The defeat leaves U’s two points above the drop zone with three games remaining.