Colchester United 2 Watford 3COLCHESTER United blew a two-goal lead in a Championship thriller at Layer Road, as league leaders Watford regained their winning touch.

By Carl Marston

Colchester United 2 Watford 3

COLCHESTER United blew a two-goal lead in a Championship thriller at Layer Road, as league leaders Watford regained their winning touch last night.

The U's were two-up inside the first half-hour, thanks to close-range strikes from Clive Platt and Matthew Connolly. But they could not hold on for what have been only their third home victory of the campaign.

Watford came storming back, and were level before half-time thanks to two goals in as many minutes. First Marlon King rammed home his 10th goal of the season, and John-Joe O'Toole then bundled home at the far post.

The wind was not exactly taken out of the U's sails, but they never reached the heights of their rip-roaring start and Hungarian international striker, Tamas Priskin, nodded home what proved to be the winner in the 64th minute.

Chances continued to flow, but once again the U's vulnerability at the back cost them dear. They have now conceded 19 goals in 10 home games, which is a depressing ratio.