Colchester United 2 Sheffield United 3

Colchester United blew a 2-0 goal, conceding three goals in the last seven minutes to suffer a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of Sheffield United tonight.

The U’s had looked to be coasting to victory, thanks a goal in each half from George Moncur and Freddie Sears, on 31 and 77 minutes.

But manager Tony Humes’ first home match in charge was completely spoilt by a devastating turn of events.

Ben Davies pulled a goal back on 83 minutes, before substitute Ryan Flynn stabbed home an equaliser from point blank range just two minutes later.

And the Blades’ comeback was complete when Alex Gilbey chopped down substitute Stefan Scougall inside the box, enabling Davies to beat Sam Walker from the penalty spot to seal the most unlikely of wins.

Squads

COLCHESTER: Walker, Clohessy, Kent, Eastman, Gordon, Gilbey, Moncur, Szmodics, Massey, Sears, Watt (sub Vose, 67) Unused subs: Lewington, David Wright, Eastmond, Holman, Lawrence, Bonne.

SHEFFIELD UNITED: Howard, Alcock, McGahey, Collins, McEveley (sub Reed, 46), Davies, Wallace, Doyle, Harris, McNulty, Higdon (sub Flynn, 72). Unused subs: Basham, Scougall, McGinn, Porter, Turner.

Referee: Oliver Langford (East Yorkshire)

Attendance: 3,084