Colchester United fell to a 2-0 defeat at promotion rivals Leeds United this afternoon.

A brace from Jermaine Beckford either side of half-time gave the Whites victory at Elland Road.

Colchester survived a scare in the tenth minute when Beckford almost capitalised on Magnus Okuonghae's weak back header, with goalkeeper Ben Williams doing well to avert the danger.

But the U's had started brightly and had two valid penalty appeals turned down by referee Andy Woolmer in the space of a few minutes.

Richard Naylor appeared to pull Phil Ifil back in the area after Marc Tierney had curled a cross into the area while minutes later, Lubomir Michalik seemed to foul Kevin Lisbie.

Williams saved from Michael Doyle's driven shot and although Ifil's free-kick was well saved by Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, the home side made the breakthrough eight minutes before half-time.

Luciano Becchio fell under Matt Heath's sliding challenge in the area and Beckford coolly slotted home the result penalty past Williams.

Williams made a fine one-handed save to deny Gary McSheffrey just before half-time and Leeds maintained their pressure in the opening minutes of the second half.

They doubled their lead ten minutes after the break when Beckford tapped home from a few yards out, after Jonathan Howson's shot had bounced back off the foot of the post.

Williams saved well from substitute Max Gradel and Leigh Bromby hit the woodwork with a header late on, as the U's succumbed to defeat.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's defeat at Leeds United, see Monday's Gazette.