Colchester United manager John Ward admitted his side paid a big price for a mixture of sloppy defending and squandering chances in the second half.

The U's led 1-0 at half-time against MK Dons and were the better side in the first half.

However, Sam Baldock's hat-trick - along with poor finishing from Colchester - saw them slump to a third straight defeat.

Ward said: “We had a good first half - we were confident on the ball and we passed it well.

“We conceded poor goals in the second half but we've had opportunities, too.

“We had some terrific chances to score further goals and not taken them and we've been pulled apart at the other end and paid a big price.

“Their striker (Sam Baldock) has been in good form and we haven't dealt with that.

“We didn't deal well with things in both boxes – we've not defended well and we've not finished well."

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's defeat against MK Dons, see Monday's Gazette.