The season would be Colchester United's highest league finish for 50 years by ending their campaign in third position.

For the majority of the season, Colchester were favourites for promotion, during which time they went 20 league games unbeaten between December 1956 and Easter 1957.

Player-manager Benny Fenton missed a 21st-minute penalty during the match, which was saved by Ipswich goalkeeper Roy Bailey.

A 2–1 win over second-placed Torquay United, who trailed by four points as a result, improved Colchester's title credentials.

However, the loss of influential players to injury including Bob Dale and Chic Milligan damaged Colchester's hopes.