Colchester United were beaten 3-0 by promotion-chasing Sheffield United this afternoon.

Goals from Barry Robson, Kevin McDonald and Dave Kitson condemned the U's to defeat, in front of a crowd of more than 16,000 at Bramall Lane.

Michael Doyle also hit the post in the first half for the U's, for whom Freddie Sears came closest to scoring in the first half.

U's boss Joe Dunne said: "I was disappointed with our last ten minutes of the match, because I thought we lost a bit of belief in ourselves.

"It's not easy going behind early on like that, because you work all week on things and then you're chasing the game.

"I thought we got back into the game really well after that and got into some good attacking positions but the end product wasn't as good as it has been of late.

"But I was quite pleased at half-time and I think in the end, the 3-0 defeat was harsh."

See Monday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full match report, pictures and reaction to the U's defeat at Sheffield United.