New Colchester United boss Tony Humes admitted that his young team needed to learn how to hold onto leads, and see out games, after last night’s devastating 3-2 home defeat to Sheffield United.

The U’s were coasting at 2-0 up, with just seven minutes to go, when they were struck down by three goals in a five-minute spell – a brace by Ben Davies (the last a penalty) sandwiching Ryan Flynn’s close-range equaliser.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for U’s players, and their fans, who were both dejected and also shell-shocked at the final whistle.

“There was a bit of naivety out there, I would say,” admitted Humes.

“It was a bit of inexperience, and a bit of tiredness.

“We have got done by a little bit of experience and a little bit of cleverness from Sheffield United.

“We got stretched when we didn’t need to, when we had the game won.

“And that is part of their learning, it’s part of their development when you have got young players.

“They have to learn how to manage a game, and understand how to see out a game, and win a game,” added Humes.

The U’s, who are now third-from-bottom in the League One table, have to pick themselves up for another home match, against Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City this Saturday.