Sheffield United 4 Colchester United 1

Colchester United suffered a second defeat in four days, as hosts Sheffield United gave them a lesson in finishing at Bramall Lane tonight.

Still reeling from last Saturday’s depressing 3-2 home reverse to fellow strugglers Crewe, the U’s were always going to be up against it, in South Yorkshire.

And so it proved, as goals from Jose Baxter and debutant Matt Done put the Blades 2-0 up at half-time.

A long-range firecracker from ex-Ipswich defender Jay McEveley wrapped up the points for Nigel Clough’s men, just before the hour mark.

Sammie Szmodics did net a consolation goal for the U’s in the 70th minute, but there was still time for Baxter to stroke home an 80th minute penalty to seal a 4-1 success.

This result leaves the U’s deeper in the relegation mire, and they face another long trip on the road this weekend, at Oldham.

Squads

SHEFFIELD UNITED: Turner, Brayford, Basham, McEveley, Harris, Doyle, Done (sub McNulty, 67), Coutts, Campbell-Ryce (sub Holt, 61), Baxter, Murphy (sub Adams, 82). Unused subs: Davies, Reed, Kennedy, Adams.

COLCHESTER UNITED: Walker, Clohessy, Wynter, Eastman, Briggs, Fox, Lapslie, Massey (sub McEvoy, 88), Szmodics, Gordon (sub Sembie-Ferris, 52), Porter. Unused subs: Lewington, Watt, Marriott, Vincent-Young, Bonne.

Referee: Chris Sarginson (Cheshire)

Attendance: 17,162 (148 away fans)