Colchester United's survival hopes suffered a blow this afternoon after they were beaten 3-2 at home by fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra.

The U's have now lost six of their last seven home games, after they lost to Alex.

Chris Porter went close for Colchester in the opening minutes, in a tight first half.

And the U's took the lead in first half stoppage-time when Porter chested down Matthew Briggs’ pass before lashing a fine shot home from the edge of the area.

But Crewe started the second half well and Lauri Dalla Valle and James Jones both went close for the visitors, early in the second half.

Crewe equalised midway through the second half through Jones, who slotted home Dalla Valle’s pass from close range..

Nicky Ajose put Crewe ahead five minutes later when he collected Anthony Grant’s pass before shooting confidently home.

And Grant made it 3-1 with nine minutes remaining when he turned smartly in the area and planted a low shot past Sam Walker, to leave the U's up against it.

Substitute Jack Marriott gave Colchester hope with five minutes to go when he scored from close range but it was not enough for the U's.

For five pages of coverage of the U's defeat against Crewe, see Monday's Daily Gazette.