Colchester United boss, Joe Dunne, has admitted that the games are “running out” for the U’s to avoid relegation, following today’s 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Tranmere.

The U’s were undone by goals from Rovers front-runners Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (36 minutes) and leading marksman Ryan Lowe (61), sandwiching a 45th minute equaliser by Freddie Sears on the stroke of half-time.

It was the U’s fourth straight defeat, leaving them in deep trouble with just five fixtures remaining.

They are still just outside the bottom four, but only on goal difference and the momentum is not with them.

“We had late chances to score, but it’s all about winning, that’s what matters,” admitted Dunne.

“We are running out of games for our luck to change, and we are in very serious trouble now.

“We are in a bad rut at the moment, the worst rut of all the teams who are down there.

“Today we have lost a six pointer, but we are still not in the bottom four yet.

“It’s not settled yet. Today’s result has just made our run extremely difficult, piling on the pressure and piling on the negativity.

“But we are not dead yet,” added Dunne.