Walsall in their fifth successive home defeat. Following Sears' move to Ipswich, Colchester and Ipswich confirmed the loan move of Jack Marriott until the end of the season, while Elliott Hewitt extended his stay for a further month. On 22 January, Colchester confirmed the signings of two further players with the arrival of Chris Porter from Sheffield United on an 18-month contract, and Millwall defender Matthew Briggs on loan until the end of the season. Porter and Briggs were handed their debuts on 24 January in a relegation battle with Leyton Orient, while Tom Lapslie was granted his first start and home debut. Gavin Massey opened the scoring on 14-minutes and Kaspars Gorkšs doubled the lead with his first goal for the club shortly after half-time. Elliott Hewitt was sent off for a professional foul with six minutes remaining but Colchester held on for their third home win of the season. On 26 January, development squad players Nnamdi Nwachuku and Billy Roast both had their contracts cancelled by mutual consent. Josh Thompson then also had his contract terminated as he joined Tranmere permanently on 28 January. Jamie Harney agreed a permanent deal with the club until summer 2016, while Kaspar Gorkšs' short-term deal expired and he joined Superleague Greece side Ergotelis. Colchester signed Tottenham Hotspur youth product Kenny McEvoy on loan until the end of the season on 30 January. Chris Porter scored his first goal for the club on 31 January in Colchester's 1–1 draw with Bradford City at Valley Parade. February Transfer deadline day fell on 2 February as two more players left the club. Having fallen out of favour under Tony Humes and with six months remaining on his contract, Craig Eastmond left the club by mutual consent. Dan Holman left to join Dover Athletic on loan until the end of the season. On 7 February, Colchester faced Crewe at the Community Stadium. Chris Porter scored his second goal in three games for the U's to give the home side a 1–0 advantage at the interval. However, three goals for the visitors without reply in the second-half gave Crewe victory, while Jack Marriott pulled one back for the U's three minutes after arriving on the pitch as a substitute. Another defeat followed on 10 February as Sheffield United beat the U's 4–1 at Bramall Lane, Sammie Szmodics with Colchester's consolation goal. On 14 February, Szmodics scored in