THIS might just be the win to get Town back on track. But how it was achieved, goodness only knows!
Impressive Colchester were undone by one freak goal and one beauty plus the controversial sending-off of defender Garry Richards.
Phil Parkinson's side had no luck whatsoever as they completely dominated the first 45 minutes and hit the woodwork three times in all.
It's in such unlikely circumstances, however, that winning runs often come to an end and the 355 fans who travelled up from Essex will no doubt feel aggrieved they didn't see an 11th straight win.
While the Gods were clearly with Peter Jackson and his team, they also deserve plenty of credit for scrapping it out in true Terrier style.
Against a well-organised, bigger and better team they stuck to their guns superbly and a side of lesser character would undoubtedly have gone under.
Not Town.
As has so often happened in the past, they came up with the goods against one of their top rivals and it's only to be hoped they don't let themselves down against he lesser lights of Blackpool and MK Dons.
Opportunity knocks this week - and everyone knows it.
If anyone summed up the spirit of Town's performance it was Gary Taylor-Fletcher.
In and out of the team of late, he made the most of his latest call-up with a dogged display, working honestly to win the ball and being direct in attack when he had it.
It was his shot on 14 minutes which led to the goal, although Jon Worthington would have preferred the deflection to have come off a less delicate part of his anatomy, and Fletch was not only competitive, he was creative as well.
While Town were overpowered in midfield for long spells, Worthington came up with two goal-saving tackles against Mark Yeates in the first half and Neil Danns late on, and Michael Collins rose to the challenge with some excellent raking passes to stretch play in the last quarter.
By then, Town were two ahead thanks to David Graham's quality one-on-one finish to an Andy Booth ball through, his third goal in as many games since signing on loan and a perfect example of why Jackson brought him to the club.
How often have Town been similarly punished in the past? Over 13,000 fans enjoyed the boot being on the other foot for a change, especially as the first half was such a struggle.
Town didn't help themselves by failing to keep hold of the ball, but Colchester were mightily assured in every phase of the game and, after Chris Iwelumo's drive in only the second minute had bounced clear before Phil Senior could blink, they had goals wiped out for Iwelumo and Richard Garcia which could easily have stood.
Worthington's goal brought a few minutes of relief, but Senior had to save from Garcia on the break with Town's midfielders trailing badly, while Spurs loan man Yeates missed the target three times when he ought to have done better.
Chris Brandon drilled a super shot inches wide as the half drew to a close, but Colchester again looked to be getting on top when Graham chased a through ball from the excellent David Mirfin and Richards was forced into an awkward-looking challenge.
A straight red card appeared harsh, but Town - despite some poor crosses - took advantage.
Graham's goal sealed it, but there was still time for Greg Halford to hit a post and for Nathan Clarke to mastermind some hurried defending.
A clean sheet and a win doesn't really tell half the story!
Turning Point:
NOT until David Graham raced through to score Town's second goal - his third in as many games - did anyone relax because Colchester, despite being down to 10 men, always looked dangerous going forward. Graham's strike made the final 22 minutes much more comfortable for Peter Jackson's side, cheered on by over 13,000
Man of the Match: Gary T-Flectcher
Made the most of his chance and held off the likes of David Mirfin to take the top award in a match where Town grafted and earned a bit of good luck
How They Rated:
Phil Senior Made a fine save from Garcia on the break and rode his luck with help from the woodwork. Got in some decent punches Rating: 6/10
David Mirfin Did exactly what manager Peter Jackson predicted and had a very solid game at right-back . Strong going forward Rating: 7/10
Dan Smith Had his work cut out first half to deal with Halford but eventually looked very competent and used the ball well Rating: 6/10
Martin McIntosh Got stronger as the game went on and started winning more headers. Made a good flick from a set piece Rating: 6/10
Nathan Clarke Brave as ever in the tackle, he made some great challenges in the second half and looked dominant once again Rating: 7/10
Michael Collins He won't play against a better midfield all season but stuck to his guns and was always available for the ball Rating: 6/10
Jon Worthington Made two goal-saving tackles and also on the scoresheet, so it was as good as a hat trick. He really grafted hard Rating: 7/10
Gary T-Fletcher Never stopped running and, when he had the ball, he was always willing to run straight at the defence. Excellent Rating: 8/10
Chris Brandon Plenty of nice build-up play and worked hard in the unusual slot of left midfield. One cracking drive inches wide Rating: 6/10
Andy Booth Didn't get a sniff of a decent chance, but he took the aerial battle to the visitors and played some neat through balls Rating: 6/10
David Graham One or two touches of genuine quality and his clinching goal was finished in masterly style. Sign him up! Rating: 7/10
Spotlight on the ref:
BOTH managers felt that Graham Salisbury was inconsistent and Phil Parkinson accused him of getting all the major decisions wrong. In his favour, he certainly tried to let the game run whenever possible. The dismissal of Garry Richards seemed harsh as other defenders were racing back but Mr Salisbury had no doubt.
Colchester: Davison; Duguid, Brown, Richards, White (Elokobi 87); Halford, Watson, Danns, Yeates (Baldwin 54); Iwelumo, Garcia (Williams 77). Subs not used: Gerken, King.
