Tony Humes admitted Colchester United did not defend well enough in losing 3-2 against fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra.

The U's led 1-0 at half-time, thanks to Chris Porter's well-taken strike on the stroke of half-time.

But three goals in quick succession in the second half from James Jones, Nicky Ajose and Anthony Grant left Colchester shell-shocked.

And although substitute Jack Marriott came off the bench to score his first league goal for the U's with six minutes remaining, it was not enough for them to salvage a draw.

The defeat was Colchester's sixth defeat in their last seven home games and leaves them three points adrift of safety in the League One relegation zone.

U's boss Humes said: "I'm disappointed for the players, because we know what they're capable of.

"We've seen in the last two games how capable they've been of being a strong unit.

"It was an opportunity for us to take another step in the right direction, especially when you go 1-0 up without playing particularly well.

"Crewe caused us a few problems but they were more direct in the second half and we didn't deal with that.

“Crewe were better than us and we’ll hold our hands up and say that.

“They were quicker with the ball and off it and we didn’t perform as we have been doing.

“They out-passed us and moved the ball very well, which we couldn’t cope with.

"We shouldn't be conceding goals quickly like that.

"We have to pick ourselves up now and put it right."

For five pages of coverage of the U's game with Crewe Alexandra, see Monday's Daily Gazette.