Scott McGleish netted his 11th goal of the season but it was not enough to secure a victory for Colchester United in a 1-1 draw against visiting Luton Town.
The Essex hosts enjoyed the perfect start when McGleish steamed in at the far post to head home a delightful cross from Wayne Andrews.
That meant that McGleish had already bagged two more goals than he managed in the whole of last season.
Luton, with just two away wins this season, rarely looked like adding a third, but they salvaged a point thanks to Lee Mansell's smart finish in the 28th minute.
There was a good deal of luck in the build up. Matthew Spring's wayward shot would not have troubled keeper Simon Brown, but it took a wicked deflection off defender Andy Myers, with the ball spinning into the path of Mansell.
He kept his composure to slot home a low drive into the far corner of the net for his third goal of the campaign.
Colchester should have regained their lead before the break.
Goalscorer McGleish set up fellow striker Andrews with a marvellous through ball in the 42nd minute. Andrews had just keeper Marlon Beresford to beat, but his low shot cannoned off the legs off the visiting keeper and dropped to safety.
It was a disappointing second half, and the home side did not really catch fire until the last ten minutes.
Front runners Craig Fagan and Rowan Vine were both denied by keeper Beresford.
The Hatters custodian finger tipped a header from Andrews around his post, and also showed excellent handling to smother a long range free-kick from Liam Chilvers.
Luton were content to sit back for most of the second half and they were satisfied with a point, especially after completing a late winner at home to Barnsley before Christmas.
Both sides remain in the hunt for a play-off spot this season.
Colchester have drawn their last two games and now face a tricky trip to high-flying QPR.