Colchester United manager Joe Dunne, although delighted with his side’s improved second-half display, was highly critical of their first half showing in a 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town in West Sussex this afternoon.

Crawley winger Mike Jones struck with the only goal of the game in the 41st minute, converting from Billy Clarke’s excellent lofted pass.

The U’s were poor throughout the first half, but they improved after the break and twice struck the woodwork through Sanchez Watt’s 59th minute header, against the bar, and Dominic Vose’s 82nd minute shot, which came back off a post.

“It was a chalk and cheese performance,” admitted Dunne.

“We have to realise that the game is longer than 45 minutes!

“I thought our response was fantastic in the second half, we pushed them back, but ultimately it was another disappointing defeat for us.

“We just can’t start games like we did today, even though it was a wonderful response,” added Dunne.

The U’s have now won just one of their last nine games, and now face a key home game against fellow strugglers Shrewsbury on Tuesday.