'We can breathe after Colchester beat the drop'

Ian Hart, 20, says Colchester fans had faced a nervous week ahead of Saturday's fixture

Colchester United fans breathed a sigh of relief after the Essex side held onto its Football League status on the final day of the season.

The team conceded a late equaliser to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday as they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

It meant Colchester stayed three points above the drop zone in League Two and remained safe from relegation for another year as Sutton United drew and finished second from bottom.

"And breathe," season ticket holder Si Collinson, 41, said.

"I am pleased to be safe after what was an eventful afternoon. We played well and it was a good way to end the season."

Si Collinson says fans can finally breathe after their Football League Two status is confirmed

The U's took a 35th-minute lead thanks to Noah Chilvers' low strike, but the visitors Crewe hit back late when Elliot Nevitt converted substitute Charlie Kirk's cross in the first minute of stoppage time to equalise.

Jon Burns, chairman of the Colchester United Supporters Association, said survival was "very important" after a tough campaign.

"I would like to pay huge credit to the supporters this season - the last month or so in particular - for being amazingly resilient and positive," he said.

"Let us all now look forward to the next few months of planning and recruiting that will give every supporter hope that next season the U's will be battling at the right end of the table again."

U's fans should be proud of their support this season, Jon Burns says

Ian Hart, from Great Tey, said the recruitment of management team Danny and Nicky Cowley helped to attract better crowds in 2024.

But on-field performances had left the nerves jangling come the weekend.

"Safe to say every Colchester United fan was very nervous from Tuesday to Saturday before the last game of the season," said 20-year-old Ian.

"Although we conceded a late goal, a point was more than enough to stay up and the mood among the fans was ecstatic."

The Essex side's player of the year Arthur Read, right, says it has been a "long, stressful season"

Midfielder Arthur Read was awarded the JobServe Community Stadium side's player of the year for his impressive performances.

He told BBC Essex Sport that he hoped the side's fortunes on the pitch would improve next campaign.

"It's been a long, stressful season and to get it done on the last day was interesting," the 24-year-old said.

"[The supporters] have played a big part when we needed them and hopefully it'll be a more successful season next year."

Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830