Following the play-off disappointment of last season, the U's looked to earn a play-off spot at the very least, but missed out by just one point, finishing in eighth.
In the FA Cup, Colchester were eliminated by old foes Wycombe Wanderers in the first round, while Huddersfield Town defeated the U's at the second round stage.
Season overview
Layer Road's Clock End received a makeover during the off season, with a new covered and all seated stand in place.
In the final with 45,077 in attendance, neither side could find a breakthrough, and the tie went to extra time following a goalless 90 minutes. Another goalless 30 minutes followed and the match went to a penalty shoot-out. The U's took the lead in the shoot-out after Owen Archdeacon missed Carlisle's second effort, but consecutive misses from youth team product Karl Duguid and Peter Cawley meant that Steve Hayward's converted effort won the shoot-out for Carlisle 4–3.
In the league, six defeats in eight league matches saw Colchester slip to 13th in the table. ManagerSteve Wignall said:
I won't be happy until I have guided this club to promotion. All I ask of the fans is trust me with your club.
Colchester ended the season in 8th position, one point shy of the play-off positions.[5]