Colchester United manager Kevin Keen admitted his side's performance against Swindon Town was not good after they were beaten 4-1 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Two goals apiece from Nicky Ajose and Michael Doughty gave the Robins victory and although Joe Edwards bagged a second-half consolation, it was not enough to prevent the U's from slumping to another defeat which means they remain eight points adrift at the bottom of the League One table.

Keen said: “I’m really disappointed.

“We didn’t defend well enough and we didn’t play well enough.

“We created some good chances and the keeper made some good saves but we let in some poor goals.

“There was a bit of a malaise before I came in and it returned a bit today.

“We weren’t very good - I’m not too happy and I can see why the supporters weren’t too happy either and giving me stick, so it’s fair enough.

“It’s very difficult when you lose 4-1 at home when we’re in the position we’re in."

Ajose gave Swindon a half-time lead in a first half that saw both goalkeepers in good form - and Keen felt that was a big moment in the game.

He added: “Goals change games – it was 1-0 at half-time and we were trying to get back into the game (in the second half).

“We’ve had a look at the goals and they weren’t good defensively.

“When you have a habit of conceding goals in pairs rather just one goal, it makes it very difficult.

“We got back to 3-1 and you think you “never know” but then you let in a really soft goal.

“We’ll work hard and I’ll keep trying to find solutions.

“I’m not going to give up and the boys will keep fighting.

“You won’t see a lack of effort from the team.”

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