AT the start of the season, the prospect of Colchester United fans at Meadow Lane animatedly cheering a goal scored by Crawley Town's Klaidi Lolos on the penultimate weekend of the campaign was as likely as Eddie the Eagle scoring a hat-trick at the JobServe Community Stadium.

But here we are.

The U’s League Two status is still not secure but their situation heading into their final two games of the season is much more favourable than it might have been thanks to Lolos’s stoppage-time equaliser for Crawley against Sutton United, at Gander Green Lane.

As a result, Colchester require a point from their remaining two games to ensure their place in the EFL, for next season.

READ MORE: Danny Cowley's verdict on Colchester's defeat at Notts County

Had Lolos not found the net for Crawley, the U’s situation would have been somewhat more precarious heading into Tuesday night’s home clash with play-off chasing Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra on the final day of the season.

Nevertheless, Danny Cowley’s post-match frustration after their defeat at Notts County was understandable.

While the U’s boss had no complaints about the effort put in by his players, he was disappointed with the level of quality shown in their performance, as they slipped to a 1-0 loss at Meadow Lane.

With a host of players missing due to injury and suspension, Colchester were somewhat depleted but Cowley refused to use that as an excuse for his side’s rather flat display against a Notts County side firmly entrenched in mid-table and little more than pride to play for.

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The Magpies enjoyed 68 per cent of the ball, which was no real surprise given their style of play, with Cowley identifying them as a possession-based team prior to the game.

The U’s struggled to make an impact  though and missed Alistair Smith’s midfield influence, as the hosts controlled the game.

Colchester did have their moments; Ellis Iandolo’s audacious lob was pushed onto the woodwork early on, while Riley Harbottle’s second-half header clipped a post.

But the hosts had the better chances and while boss Cowley was quick to refute suggestions of tiredness afterwards, the U’s did look like they were running on empty, at times.

READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Notts County defeat

Needless to say, they will need to pick themselves up quickly for a pivotal game against Doncaster, where a point will be enough to clinch their League Two status.

Nearly 750 U’s fans made the trip to Nottingham to cheer on their side and ahead of back-to-back home games, they can play their part in helping their team get over the line.

“They were there right to the final moment and stuck with us,” said Cowley.

“We owe them to finish this season well and then we get to look forward and try to bring some brighter tomorrows.”