It's probably just as well that Colchester United are off on their travels tonight, albeit against one of the division’s play-off chasing teams.

A trip to Bramall Lane is seldom relished by any team.

But given the U’s dire home form this season, the prospect of an away game might just be something to look forward to, rather than dread.

Colchester head into their match against Sheffield United three points adrift of safety in League One, following their disastrous home defeat against fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra.

It was undoubtedly a bad day for Colchester, particularly with Yeovil Town and Gillingham also winning.

What’s more, it was yet another loss for the U’s at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

It is no secret that their failings there this season have played a big part in their precarious position in the bottom four.

The Crewe defeat was the U’s sixth in their last seven league matches at the venue.

Indeed, Colchester have lost more games and conceded more goals at home than any other team in the division and the disappointment of the home fans was palpable, on Saturday night.

Many of those supporters won’t have regularly seen their side perform away from the Community Stadium, though.

As someone who has, I can definitely say that there is still cause for optimism.

Colchester currently boast the best away record in the bottom six.

They are unbeaten in their last four league games on their travels and have only suffered three league defeats on the road all season, under Tony Humes.

The stark reality is that Colchester have 18 games remaining to secure their League One safety.

Exactly half of those matches are at home, where I still think their fate will be decided, with key fixtures against the likes of Crawley Town, Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United on the horizon.

But points on the road will undoubtedly help their cause.

The last time Colchester played Sheffield United, they were 2-0 up with seven minutes to go, only to concede three goals in quick succession to lose.

The U’s will need to show much more resilience and character than that tonight, if they are to pick up precious points in their battle for survival.

For a full preview of the U's game against Sheffield United, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.