Theo Robinson struck a first-half equaliser for Colchester as Macclesfield were held to a 1-1 draw at Moss Rose.
Paddy Osadebe put the Silkmen ahead in the 13th minute after Theo Archibald's pass found him on the edge of the box.
Former Tottenham youngster Osadebe turned his man to make space and slot his third goal of the campaign into the bottom corner.
But Robinson denied them a much-needed win in first-half stoppage time, turning home Tom Eastman's cross from the right.
Macclesfield had dominated the first half, with Arthur Gnahoua's glancing header bringing a fine save from Dean Gerken.
The Colchester keeper also denied Archibald after the Scottish winger broke from a corner.
A more even second half produced few openings, though Owen Evans had to react sharply to push away a goalbound curler from Robinson and referee Chris Pollard denied home captain Fiacre Kelleher a 94th-minute winner for a foul in a goalmouth scramble.