Former loanee Izale McLeod came back to haunt Colchester United after they were beaten 3-2 in their crucial relegation six-pointer against fellow strugglers Crawley Town.

The U's survival hopes took a massive dent after they were beaten by the Red Devils, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester almost fell behind in the sixth minute when former loanee Izale McLeod beat the offside trap but his shot hit the outside of the post.

And Colchester took a tenth-minute lead when Sammie Szmodics burst into the area and hit a superb half volley past Lewis Price.

But Crawley equalised four minutes later when former Colchester defender Ryan Dickson tapped home Lewis Young’s low cross, at the near post.

Former Colchester midfielder Anthony Wordsworth hit the crossbar for Crawley while Price tipped over Szmodics’ fine shot, as an open game ensued.

Colchester fell behind four minutes before the break through Gavin Tomlin, who swept home Young’s cross.

But the U’s started the second half well and equalised four minutes after the break through skipper David Fox’s free-kick that crept past Walker at his near post.

Tomlin and McLeod both came close for the visitors while Colchester felt they should have had a penalty when Porter appeared to be fouled by Darren Ward in the area.

But Colchester fell behind for a second time with 15 minutes remaining when McLeod scored from the spot after the Crawley striker had been brought down by Walker in the area.

And despite some late pressure from the U's, with substitutes Alex Wynter and George Moncur, they could not prevent a damaging defeat.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U’s game with Crawley Town, see Monday’s Daily Gazette.