But no. It was business as usual at Dean Court, with Daniels returning at left back, Pugh switching to the right and MacDonald replacing the injured Fogden. No sign of Partington.
Still, with the manager's job still vacant, I suppose you can't blame Groves for playing his strongest team in an attempt to strengthen his case. The football has improved under his tenure, but compared to Bradbury's last days, that's not saying much!
The visitors had the better of the early exchanges with Cook nearly deflecting a cross into his own net. They came even closer from the resulting corner when Bond's volley crashed against the woodwork.
However, with the frame of our goal still shuddering from the impact, we went down the other end and scored in controversial fashion when a clever chip by Malone found Thomas who was well offside. Realising this, the striker made no attempt to play the ball, allowing MacDonald to nip in and score his first league goal for the club.
The U's players were outraged and it took some time to get the game restarted.
Soon afterwards, the industrious MacDonald was called into action again, this time clearing off the line following a corner.
Apart from that, neither side fashioned a decisive chance in the first half, although Thomas should have done better on a couple of occasions - a pattern that was to continue...
HT: 1-0
After the break, the Cherries went after the second goal that would make the points safe. A Malone effort was cleared off the line and Thomas, Hines and Daniels all had decent chances.
Despite working hard and playing well generally, Thomas just seems to have lost the knack of scoring goals.
As chances came and went, Colchester sensed an opportunity to get something from the game and began to establish control. You could feel an equaliser coming, and it duly arrived with seven minutes to go when the Cherries were caught napping by a short corner routine. Pugh failed to cut out the eventual cross from Rose and Eastman netted from close range.
Spirits were raised somewhat when late substitute Zubar showed a bit of attacking nous, but it came to nothing and the game petered out.
Another disappointing outcome and the familiar story of missed chances. Our defence is decent and we have a team of tidy players, but there is a lack of passion somehow. Whether Groves or a new manager can instil a bit more desire - and Thomas will ever find his shooting boots again - remains to be seen.
MacDonald - showed skill and commitment - need more like him in midfield.
Ellis Griffin, Chertsey
AFCB: Flahavan, Francis, Addison, Cook, Daniels, Pugh, Cooper, MacDonald, Hines, Thomas
Subs: Jalal, Taylor, Gregory (for Cooper, 66 mins), McDermott (for Hines, 76 mins), Zubar (for Daniels, 81 mins)