U’s lose at league leaders Brighton

Brighton 2 Colchester Utd 0

COLCHESTER United’s impressive run against League One’s leading sides was brought to an end tonight at table-toppers Brighton.

Following a home win against Bournemouth and a battling draw at Huddersfield, the U’s were left beaten on the south coast courtesy of goals in each half by Inigo Calderon and Craig Noone.

And to make matters worse, U’s defender Pat Baldwin was dismissed late on for a second yellow card to leave John Ward’s already depleted defence even barer for Friday night’s visit of promotion rivals Peterborough.

Colchester defended well in the first half and looked to have got to the break level after Chris Wood headed against the post, however the deadlock was finally broken in first half stoppage time when Calderon side-footed home from 10 yards out.

The second half was a much more even affair and there was a feeling the spirited visitors might be able to drag themselves level.

The 74th minute introduction of Noone by home manager Gus Poyet proved inspired though, the left-winger wrapping up victory with a solo goal within two minutes of his arrival.

– Match report and reaction in tomorrow’s EADT.