Colchester United slid to an eighth successive league defeat this afternoon after losing 1-0 at Doncaster Rovers.

David Cotterill netted the only goal six minutes from time, curling home to secure victory for the Yorkshire side at the Keepmoat Stadium.

It put them level at the top of the League One table with leaders Tranmere Rovers and leaves the U's just one point above the relegation zone.

But Joe Dunne's side produced a competent display which belied their lowly league position.

Colchester performed well against their high-flying hosts and Rovers goalkeeper Gary Woods denied Drey Wright early on.

However, Doncaster had their moments, with U's keeper Mark Cousins saving at the feet of experienced striker Iain Hume and then watching Emile Sinclair's snap-shot whistle past the post.

But Colchester felt they should have been in front just before half-time when Josh Thompson's header was ruled out by referee Richard Clark, who had spotted a push by Anthony Wordsworth on Jamie McCombe.

Cousins denied Hume just after half-time but the U's kept going though and Wright curled over the bar, before the deadlock was finally broken when Cotterill curled a delightful shot past Cousins to win the game for Doncaster.

For Jon Waldron's match report, U's reaction and pictures, see Monday's Daily Gazette.