Cowley’s U’s have endured what he described as arguably the toughest run of his 20-year managerial career, following a nine-game winless league run.

But the Colchester head coach believes there have still been encouraging signs within their performances, particularly during recent home games.

And Cowley highlighted the challenge presented by Chesterfield, who subsequently thrashed high-flying Crewe Alexandra 5-1, when putting his side’s recent results into context.

He rates the Spireites and leaders Salford City as the division's best two sides he has seen live.

“For me, Chesterfield and Salford are the two best teams I’ve seen live,” said Cowley.

“Chesterfield were in a really good flow and we held onto them in the first half, which wasn’t easy, but in the second half I was really proud of the way we responded and we took a brilliant point.

“Chesterfield were then 5-0 up on the Saturday against a Crewe team that went into the fixture in third.

“Sometimes, people just see the outcome without even seeing the games and they all have an opinion.

“We live it every day; we know how it is and it’s always my job to try and keep context.”

Drive - Colchester United midfielder Paul Digby in action at Chesterfield (Image: Richard Blaxall)

Cowley insists performances have not always been reflected by results during Colchester’s difficult spell.

He feels their previous three home matches could each have ended in victory and pointed to the fine margins that have gone against his side.

“It’s probably our toughest run, in the 20 years,” he said.

“We’ve drawn and lost and that’s never a good sign but our last three home games could all have been wins, that’s just the truth.

“They were tight games, small details and we just have to keep working.

“We know where we’re at as a group, we know what our challenges are and it’s our job to keep trying to help the players.

“It’s the players’ jobs to go and execute it on the pitch and try and find their best performances on a consistent basis.”

Colchester came through a demanding three-game week that included their encounters with Exeter City and Chesterfield before a disappointing defeat at Northampton Town.

Cowley felt the U’s had been the stronger side against Exeter and was pleased with their response after the break against Chesterfield, but was less satisfied with what followed at Northampton.

Difficult day - Colchester United midfielder Jack Payne looks disappointed at the final whistle following their defeat at Northampton Town (Image: Richard Blaxall)

“We were disappointed with ourselves at Northampton,” he added.

“It was the third game in a week and with the injuries that we have, we went behind early and couldn’t find it in ourselves to get back into the game.

“That was disappointing and we take a lot of learning from that.

“We were disappointed with ourselves and we have to live with that and respond to that.”

Cowley says the emphasis now is on helping his players individually to rediscover their best levels, with different members of his squad requiring different types of support.

“My job really is just to keep helping the players on a daily basis get better,” he said.

“Sometimes, that means working with them technically and tactically, other days, with other players, it means working with them more physically or mentally.

“There’s some who are in a good moment and good form who you don’t have to say too much to, and you can just let them keep in their rhythm.

“But it’s always for us to understand the player, understand the person and do what we can to help them so that come matchday, they’re in a really good place to perform at their maximum.”