GAZETTE reporter Matt Plummer reflects on a disappointing day for Colchester United, exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Coventry City.

Here are five talking points following their 2-0 first-round reverse at the JobServe Community Stadium.

KEEPING PERSPECTIVE

OK, so this was a deflating result and performance.

However, it shouldn't take the gleam off what's been a hugely encouraging few weeks for the U's, with league conquests supplemented by Carabao Cup heroics.

U's fans, like their players, must dust themselves down, put it behind them and move on because there's plenty to look forward to and be excited about right now.

FROM CUP CHEER TO CUP WOE

HAVING said that, it would have been wonderful to make FA Cup progress.

Colchester's recent record in the competition is rotten, with four first-round exits in a row, and this limp display was in stark contrast to their Carabao Cup heroics.

Everyone loves the FA Cup.

Coventry boss Mark Robins won it with Manchester United in 1990 and McGreal positively beamed when asked about his cup memories in Thursday's pre-match press conference at Florence Park.

It would have been wonderful to create some more this season.

CLASSY COVENTRY

COLCHESTER didn't give the best account of themselves.

However, they were up against quality opposition in Coventry.

Press-box colleagues even suggested they were the best team to visit the JobServe Community Stadium this season (even trumping Tottenham).

They certainly ran out comfortable winners and never once looked in danger of losing.

The only surprise was the fact it was their first away win.

On this evidence, it beggars belief that it came at the tenth attempt.

DERBY DATE FOR PELL?

IT would seem the stage is set for Harry Pell to continue his first-team comeback in Tuesday's Leasings.com Trophy match against Ipswich Town.

The midfielder, who managed 90 minutes for the under-23s last week, looks set for a key role, possibly from the start, against Paul Lambert's men.

John McGreal named an unchanged team against the Sky Blues but may have been more inclined to rest players had the U’s got a fixture next Saturday.

Instead, they now have a rare weekend off, with international call-ups leading to the postponement of their scheduled home match against Bradford City.

UNITED WE STAND

FINALLY, the U's have released details of the ticket arrangements for their Carabao Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on December 18.

They go on sale on Wednesday, November 20.

Colchester's entitlement is 7,410 but Manchester United have allocated 8,495.

For more details, check the club's website but get in fast for what's bound to be one of the most famous, iconic nights in Colchester's history.