It was a win or bust situation for Rovers, but they had to settle for a point after being rocked by an early goal which came out of the blue as the early stages were played at a break-neck pace and although the work-rate from both sides was tremendous, there was precious little football to enjoy.
But the visitors manufactured a goal in fortuitous circumstances with virtually their first attack.
Marino Keith fired home a deflected shot which left home keeper Iain Turner wrong-footed when there appeared to be little danger in the 14th minute.
Rovers tried hard to battle back but were frustrated by a rock-solid Colcehster defence in which centre-halfs Wayne Brown and Liam Chilvers were outstanding.
THe home side were also not quite at their best in front of goal when chances did present themselves.
Niel Roberts, who worked tirelessly for Rovers, did well to create an opening but when he took the return pass from James Coppinger he fired high over the bar.
Then Coppinger rushed his shot which sailed just wide after being set up by Michael McIndoe.
Visiting keeper Aidan Davison played his part and did well to foil Roberts early in the secnd half.
McIndoe headed home for Rovers in the 71st minute only to have the effort ruled out for offside, but the home side made no mistake five minutes later.
Gregg Blundell crossed from the right and substitute Lewis Guy slotted home his first goal for the club at the far post.
Colchester missed chances themselves with Neil Danns guilty of squandering a superb late opening, but overall a draw was a fair result.