Colchester United might be on a downward spiral at the moment, but striker Chris Porter insists that the U’s have yet to be out-played by any League Two opposition this season.

The U’s have not won in eight league games, a winless run stretching to nine fixtures in all competitions.

As a result, John McGreal’s men have tumbled out of the play-off zone and down to 18th, just two points clear of the bottom two.

The most recent disappointment was a narrow 2-1 defeat at league leaders Plymouth Argyle last weekend, an afternoon which encapsulated the U’s whole season to date.

Front-man Porter just can’t believe how unlucky his side have been in recent weeks, ever since their last win, a 3-2 home success over Blackpool nearly eight weeks ago.

“It’s not going for us at the minute,” admitted Porter.

“Plymouth are top of the league and yet I thought we edged it. We have just been very unlucky lately.

“We are talking fine margins at the moment, and it’s not just falling for us.

“Plymouth didn’t really get near to our penalty area in the second half, with the exception of a couple of set pieces.

“Once again, I thought we were the better team on the day.

“I would agree that we, as a team, need to be nastier, definitely, at both ends of the pitch.

“But not many teams have gone to Plymouth and got a result, and most have not even scored.

“We managed to score (Craig Slater’s first-half free-kick), and we had chances again.

“It was just one those things.

“But there’s no need to panic yet, because we haven’t played any teams yet who have been better than us.

“Even Doncaster away (1-0 defeat), I thought we were the better team. We are learning all the time, Plymouth are solid and they showed us how to protect a lead,” added Porter.

Centre-forward Porter enjoyed having a fellow striker up top with home at Home Park, in the shape of Denny Johnstone – the U’s have been reluctant to play two out-and-out strikers in recent seasons.

While Johnstone has struggled a little, since his summer move from Birmingham City, with just one goal to date, Porter has bagged six goals, including a brace in the U’s last home match, a 2-2 draw against Morecambe.

The U’s are at home again tomorrow, against League One strugglers Chesterfield in the first round of the FA Cup.

It is a chance for the U’s to put a stop their winless run.

“Hopefully, we can get a win in the Cup,” added Porter.

“Get a result and I’m sure we can go on a run.”