Colchester United centre-half, Tom Eastman, was satisfied with the way the defence improved on Saturday, but conscious that the net result was the same – an away defeat – 2-0 at Doncaster Rovers.

The U’s have now leaked 34 goals in 16 league fixtures this term, and 23 goals in seven games on the road.

“We’ve conceded too many goals this season, so obviously the defence is going to come under scrutiny,” admitted Eastman.

“Every defender must take on this scrutiny, as must every midfielder and every attacker – in fact, the whole team – and hopefully we can do better during the rest of the season.

“I think we defended better than we had been doing, especially since that last away game at Wigan (5-0 defeat), when we started horrendously badly.

“We started better today, but we still lost, which is the key. “The first goal was important, and they scored a good goal. The first goal in every game is a big goal, which is why it was so disappointing for us.

“Their keeper (Thorsten Stuckmann) made three or four good saves. On another day, if one of those had gone in, then it might have changed the game a little bit,” added Eastman.

Rovers secured victory through goals from debutant Conor Grant (41 minutes) and striker Andy Williams (65 minutes).

The U’s return to action next Saturday, with an FA Cup first round tie at non-league Wealdstone.