Colchester United boss, Tony Humes, admitted that his side were becoming a “soft touch” following tonight’s 4-1 defeat at Sheffield United

Goals from Jose Baxter (8 and 80 pen), Matt Done (37) and Jay McEveley (59) inflicted another defeat on the U’s, who replied through Sammie Szmodics’ 70th minute consolation.

“If you can’t defend, then you get punished,” admitted Humes.

“We created so many chances in the first half. In fact, we counted seven clear-cut chances, but we didn’t take any of them.

“We then concede two soft goals.

“The players have to play with conviction, and they are not doing it at the moment.

“We’ve got to stick together as a team, but we are becoming a soft touch,” added Humes.

Blades boss Nigel Clough said: “We are light on confidence at the moment, but we were good enough to win on the night.”