Colchester United fan Si Collinson with his views on the U's

Colchester United's match against Harrogate Town was exactly one of these.

The U's did everything they could but ultimately failed to take their chances and were then punished.

Much has been made over the last few days of just how poor the officials were and there is no denying this fact hampered our efforts and game plan at times.

READ MORE: U's boss Danny Cowley provides Lyle Taylor fitness update

This, however, should not be used as an easy excuse.

We played on the front foot from the off and had a lot more of the ball - 63 per cent possession, 24 shots, with seven of them on target shows just how dominant we were.

Of course, none of this matters if we can't find the back of the net.

Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw was by far their player of the match and produced some blinding saves that really were the difference and left the U’s very frustrated.

We should have been able to put the game to bed long before a defensive mix-up allowed the visitors to score the only goal of the game.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

There are question marks over a possible foul on Hunt during the build up, but the ball should have never got into the position where any of this was an issue.

While at time we played some of the best football we have seen so far under the Cowleys, there was questions from the fans leaving the ground as to just how shaky we looked when faced with a long ball counter attack that bypasses our high midfield press.

Then of course, there is the debate over the strike force we currently have.

I do feel that when Lyle Taylor is actually fit and back in the squad that issue could well solve itself however, this does bank on him staying fit.

READ MORE: Colchester youngster signs for Isthmian League side on loan

If not, it will be interesting to see the direction the Cowleys go in - possibly a loan signing?

The above is all easy to sit in the stand and pick apart; football is easy when watching, as we all know but we need to make sure we are doing the fundamentals right.

The officials will no doubt be mentioned a few times over the course of the season and the EFL really does need to improve this area of the game.

However, it is something we can not control and therefore must steer away from pinning it all on them.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

A more clinical eye in front of goal with a sturdier defence will go along way to achieve this.

We are not a million miles off this and like I have said, we did play some decent football at times.

It is now a case of polishing these rough edges and making sure we are able to turn the hard work into points to climb the table.

We all know that football is sometimes made up of ‘one of those days’ where everything is against us.

What matters now is not to dwell on it, dust off and prepare for the visit of Brentford in the EFL Cup, followed by the trip up to Accrington on Saturday.

READ MORE: Jon Waldron's verdict on Colchester's defeat to Harrogate

This season is still in its infancy and although three league games in we only have three points to show, the difference from past seasons is there for all too see.

The fans are enjoying going to games again and the excitement building up to kick-off is more of a buzz than the dull routine of the past few seasons.

Credit goes to the Cowleys, but let’s not forget the lads and lasses of the Blue White Army.

They have really pulled out all the stops this year and their displays and flags have brought a new level of atmosphere to the lads walking out.

It sets the tone for the high tempo play we are being treated to...if only we could score a few more in the process. Up the U’s.