West Brom became the last-ever top flight club to visit Layer Road on 21 September 2004. Colchester didn't disappoint winning the League Cup tie 2–1 to earn a trip to another Premiership side in Southampton. Backed by a huge half-term holiday following, United scared their lofty opponents before bowing out 3–2.

League form was relatively poor with nine home defeats and just four wins in a 25-game mid season spell. No team managed to score more than two goals in the League against the U's but a mid-table spot was always on the cards.

A tricky set of draws in the FA Cup had Colchester winning through their travels to Mansfield, Rushden & Diamonds and Hull, although the Mansfield tie required a replay, before being paired with Premiership Blackburn at Ewood Park. United were shell-shocked from the moment goalkeeper Aidan Davison ensured his place on 'Football Bloopers' videos for life, applying an air shot to a tame backpass that struck a divot. United never recovered and lost 3–0.

With 15th place in 2004–05 considered a backward step, U's fans became increasingly frustrated at manager Phil Parkinson's 4–5–1 tactics at Layer Road.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points

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Wikipedia