One result does not make a season.

But Colchester United will be hoping that come the end of the League Two campaign, they do not reflect on their 1-0 loss at Crewe Alexandra as one that contributed to them failing to achieve their promotion target.

As U’s goalkeeper Sam Walker said in the aftermath of the disappointing loss at Gresty Road, they had gone into the game in buoyant mood following a five-match unbeaten run and a morale-boosting midweek victory over play-off rivals, Coventry City.

And with Alex having not won since January 1 prior to the clash and struggling to stay afloat above the relegation zone, this really was a prime opportunity for Colchester to get some precious points on the board.

So the lacklustre performance the U’s produced in losing was as baffling as it was disappointing.

Colchester have never really had any trouble hitting the net, during John McGreal’s reign.

But they were strangely off colour as an attacking force last weekend, against a Crewe side with one of the worst defensive records in the division.

Even with leading scorer Sammie Szmodics and Kurtis Guthrie both sidelined with injury, the U’s had more than enough firepower both in their starting line-up and on the bench to make much more of an attacking impact than they did.

Indeed, the closest they came to scoring was Drey Wright’s shot that was tipped around the post by Alex keeper, Ben Garratt, who had little to do apart from that.

That was a hugely disappointing return and a surprising one, given the talent that the U’s have in their offensive armoury.

Now Colchester must take stock of their performance at Crewe, dust themselves down and prepare for another game against a team fighting for their lives to remain in the Football League.

Bottom club Barnet are the visitors to the Weston Homes Community Stadium this weekend but do not be fooled by their lowly position.

The Bees have taken points off Accrington Stanley and Notts County in their last three games and you can always be sure it will never be an easy ride against a Graham Westley side.

Colchester need a big response this Saturday and to show the doubters that they are a much better side than their dismal performance at Crewe suggests.