Colchester United’s terrible run just goes on, and on, and it shows no sign of ending any day soon.

The rock bottom U’s even failed to protect a healthy 2-0 lead at Bury on Saturday, conceding five unanswered goals in a 28-minute spell, either side of half-time.

True, the U’s were down to 10 men when the Shakers began their amazing comeback, following Tom Eastman’s 33rd minute dismissal for two bookable offences on striker Leon Clarke.

But the tale of the U’s demise was all too familiar, I’m afraid.

It probably won’t be long – just a matter of a few weeks – before the Essex club are preparing for the reality of life in League Two, from next season.

In fact, some of the more realistic U’s supporters might suggest that Kevin Keen’s downtrodden troops are already past the point of no return.

In short the U’s, barring a miracle, will be back in the fourth tier next season, for the first time in 18 years.

Clubs do mount sensational recoveries, to escape the clutches of relegation, just as the U’s managed themselves last season, by safeguarding their League One status on the final day with a 1-0 win over Preston, and other results going their way.

But their cause appears a hopeless one this season.

It certainly seems as though, on current form, that the U’s will be officially relegated long before the final day home game against Rochdale on May 8.

Saturday’s dismal showing at Bury equalled a club record 18-game winless streak (in the league in any one season), stretching over 125 days.

The U’s are 10 points adrift of safety, have conceded more goals (78) than any other club in the League, and have won just five league games all season.