when Rochdale won 4–1 at the Community Stadium. Gavin Massey scored the only goal for the U's. Worsening Colchester's injury woes was Michael O'Donoghue who only shortly after making his first-team bow was ruled out for nine months after rupturing his cruciate ligaments in training on 16 December. Three loanees then extended their stays with the club as Rhys Healey signed on until the end of the season, while Elliott Hewitt and Cole Kpekawa both agreed to a further month. Colchester ended a run of five successive defeats on 20 December with a 1–0 win over Yeovil Town at Huish Park with Craig Eastmond's first goal of the season. In the Boxing Day fixture against Gillingham, Colchester were defeated 2–1 at home with Sammie Szmodics scoring the U's goal. A goalless draw away at Crawley Town on 28 December rounded off the year with Colchester still two points away from safety in the relegation zone. January Colchester had been drawn away to Championship side Cardiff City in the third round of the FA Cup on 2 January. The game, televised on BBC Two Wales took place in front of a sparse crowd of just 4,194, the lowest ever attendance at the Cardiff City Stadium in protest of the club's ownership. Cardiff had a 3–0 lead after an hour, but Freddie Sears scored a consolation for Colchester to bring his tally for the season to 13 goals. Both Tom Lapslie and Dion Sembie-Ferris were sent on as substitutes to make their professional debuts in the game. Dominic Smith joined Billy Roast at AFC Hornchurch in a one-month loan deal, while David Fox agreed an extension to his short-term contract until the end of the season. Marcus Bean returned from his Portsmouth loan, but the club cancelled his contract by mutual consent the same day before signing for Wycombe Wanderers. Kaspars Gorkšs signed a short-term contract with the club, while former loanee Alex Wynter joined on an 18-month contract from Crystal Palace. January's league fixtures began on 10 January with an away win at Peterborough United. Freddie Sears struck his tenth league goal of the season before Elliott Hewitt sealed a 2–0 victory with his first professional goal. With his contract set to expire in the summer, top-scorer Freddie Sears made a move to Championship side Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee on 16 January. On 17 January, Colchester lost 2–0 to