Colchester United boss, Tony Humes, was happy with his side’s performance during tonight’s 3-1 defeat at Cardiff City in the FA Cup.

However, Humes again rued the U’s poor defending, from set pieces, that contributed to them exiting the competition at the third round stage.

Freddie Sears netted a 74th minute consolation, after a Cole Kpekawa own goal (34 minutes) and goals by Kadeem Harris and Kenwyne Jones, early in the second half, had put Cardiff in the driving seat.

U’s boss Humes, said: “Football-wise, I think we matched Cardiff, and looked comfortable, but we have got done by players not taking responsibility from set pieces.

“The first goal was very unlucky, taking a double deflection, but then there were two set pieces where we haven’t competed with them.

“We created more chances in the second half, without the ball running for us, but we come away disappointed with the manner of how it happened.”