Colchester United were left cursing their luck after they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town.

Sanchez Watt and substitute Dominic Vose hit bar and post respectively in the second half, as the U's fell to a second successive defeat in League One.

Matt Tubbs and Billy Clarke both went close for Crawley in the opening stages, at a sun-kissed Broadfield Stadium.

Mike Jones fired straight at U's goalkeeper Sam Walker and minutes later, the Crawley winger’s cross-shot flashed wide of the far post.

Colchester's only meaningful effort in the first half came from Freddie Sears, whose low shot that sailed just wide of the far post.

Joe Dunne's side went in at the break behind after Jones coolly rounded Walker and slotted into the net, following Clarke’s fine lofted pass.

Colchester changed to 4-4-2 at the break and they looked more dangerous in the second half.

The U's almost equalised just before the hour when Watt's fine header back came off the bar from David Wright’s cross.

And Colchester were left cursing the woodwork again when substitute Vose's low shot came back off the foot off the post from 25 yards, with eight minutes remaining.

But the U's were unable to secure an equaliser, as they slid to a second successive defeat.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's game with Crawley Town, see Monday's Daily Gazette.