Gavin Massey believes that Colchester United’s future is a bright one, despite their failure to beat 10-man Chesterfield in a rip-roaring League One encounter at the Proact Stadium last Saturday.

The U’s did rescue a point at the death, via defender Charlie Raglan’s own goal in the second minute of stoppage time, to seal a 3-3 draw.

But there was still an air of disappointment, hovering over the visitors, at the final whistle.

The Spireites had been reduced to 10 men after just 15 minutes, following right-back Drew Talbot’s dismissal for a professional foul, and the hosts spent most of the afternoon defending for their lives.

It was the U’s inability to take a glut of chances – they hit the woodwork three times, missed two absolute sitters, and were denied by the acrobatics of home keeper Tommy Lee – combined with some dreadful defending, that allowed Dean Saunders’ men to come away with a point.

Flying winger Massey netted a first-half equaliser, and generally had a fine game as part of a dangerous three-pronged attack alongside debutant Marvin Sordell and man-of-the-match Callum Harriott.

“I’ve probably not played a game like that before,” admitted Massey.

“From a viewing point, it was good, but for us, we are very, very disappointed.

“We could have scored so many goals. We’ve hit the post, hit the cross-bar, had balls flashing across the line, it’s ridiculous.

“For Marvin (Sordell), this was his first game for a while, so when he starts training and gets up to match sharpness, he will be there diving in to get those little tap-ins.

“I think it bodes well for the future, and it’s something positive to look forward to.

“Callum (Harriott) down the left is always causing problems and is a real handful, and I think I also had a good game today.

“We’ve also got strength in depth, with a play like Moncs (George Moncur) coming off the bench, so we’re looking a strong squad,” added Massey.

Massey’s 29th minute goal, his first of the season, cancelled out Dan Jones’ 23rd minute free-kick, before 10-man Chesterfield surged into a shock 3-1 lead through close-range finishes by striker Lee Novak and skipper Samy Morsy.

It was looking grim for the U’s at that point – Tony Humes’ men have not won any of their first eight league and cup games this season – but Moncur pulled a goal back and Raglan’s late own goal rescued a point.

The U’s now have another tough away game at Sheffield United this evening.