His absence was not the sole reason why Colchester United’s fine resurgence was ended at in-form Exeter City.

But the fact that the U’s suffered their first defeat since November came without the influential Owen Garvan who was ruled out because of a knee injury was hardly coincidental.

Colchester’s nine-match unbeaten run started at Cheltenham Town, where Garvan returned to their starting line-up for the first time this season.

The Irishman has played a big part in the U’s excellent form since then, so his unavailability at St James Park was detrimental to their chances to say the least.

No wonder some of the 200 or so Colchester fans who made the trip down to Devon at the weekend were singing Garvan’s name throughout their side’s defeat at Exeter.

It is not just the playmaker’s ability that makes him a key player in this promotion-chasing Colchester side.

It is his experience and composure, attributes that have helped to bring the best out of young players like Tom Lapslie and Kurtis Guthrie, over recent weeks.

One player does not make a team; Drey Wright was a more than able deputy and has been a regular this season.

Indeed, Colchester’s nine-match unbeaten run was by no means merely down to Garvan; it was a collective team effort where everyone played their part in their resurgence and rapid rise up the table.

U’s head coach John McGreal believes Garvan might only be out for two weeks with his medial knee injury, which means he could conceivably be back for their next game at Blackpool a week on Saturday.

But might this mean that Colchester up their search for midfield reinforcements?

Tommy O’Sullivan has arrived from Cardiff City and Doug Loft is finally edging towards a comeback, following his Achilles injury so there could be options.

But Wright, who was Garvan’s replacement at Exeter, is likely to be out for around a month recovering from a hernia operation.

And McGreal has gone on record in saying that he would like to bring in another midfielder in this month’s window.

While it will be difficult to bring in a player to match Garvan’s class, it might be necessary if his injury means a more prolonged absence, given his unmistakable influence on the team.