Colchester United suffered a narrow defeat at in-form Bournemouth this afternoon.

Lewis Grabban's well-taken strike four minutes before half-time proved enough to give the Cherries victory at Dean Court and condemn the U's to their seventh defeat in eight league and cup matches.

Bournemouth were much the better side in the first half and keeper Mark Cousins denied Brett Pitman, before foiling Pitman again soon after following Charlie Daniels' free-kick.

However, the U's fell behind when Grabban finished neatly inside the area, after being picked out by Eunan O'Kane.

Colchester manager Joe Dunne made changes at half-time, sending on Clinton Morrison and Drey Wright for John-Joe O'Toole and Dan Potts and switching to a 4-4-2 formation.

It made a big difference and the U's were much improved in the second half.

Anthony Wordsworth and John White both went close for Colchester and Freddie Sears' drive flashed inches wide.

Colchester felt that they should have had a penalty when Wright appeared to be tripped by Fogden in the area, seconds before Thompson drilled straight at Bournemouth keeper David James.

But it was not enough as the battling U's slipped to another defeat, which leaves them two points above the League One relegation zone.

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