COLCHESTER United suffered the heartache of a home defeat for the first time in six months, at the hands of high-flying West Brom last night.The U's were blown off course by two goals in as many minutes at the start of the second-half, from Paul McShane (50) and Diomansy Kamara (52), although they struck back with Johnnie Jackson's first goal for the club just three minutes later.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United suffered the heartache of a home defeat for the first time in six months, at the hands of high-flying West Brom last night.

The U's were blown off course by two goals in as many minutes at the start of the second-half, from Paul McShane (50) and Diomansy Kamara (52), although they struck back with Johnnie Jackson's first goal for the club just three minutes later.

United had the Baggies on the back foot during the final half-hour, but they could not force an equaliser. It was the U's first defeat in 15 Layer Road fixtures.

Manager Geraint Williams said: “We're very disappointed to lose, although the lads showed a great attitude to come back so strongly.

“It was a magnificent response from my players. However, it's a long time since we've had the feeling of losing at home, and it hurts.

“We were particularly disappointed with conceding the first goal, from a corner. Someone obviously wasn't doing their job right from that set piece.

“We then committed the cardinal sin of conceding a second goal almost straight away, giving the ball away when on the attack,” added Williams.

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray, the former Ipswich Town defender and coach, enthused: “It was a job well done. We deserved to win and we should have scored more goals.”