Colchester United head coach John McGreal admitted Exeter City deserved their victory after the visitors ran out 3-2 winners at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The U's suffered their first home defeat of the season, after they were beaten by the Grecians.

Robbie Simpson gave Exeter an eighth-minute lead but goals from Sammie Szmodics and Kurtis Guthrie gave Colchester the advantage at half-time.

However, Exeter responded well in the second half and strikes from Ollie Watkins and substitute Joel Grant gave them victory, to condemn Colchester to their first home defeat of the season.

McGreal said: "The way we pushed in the last 15 minutes a draw might have been a better reflection but take nothing away from Exeter, they've deserved the win to go home with.

“The players are very disappointed – we didn’t really start well and I think that just set us up for the way things were.

"We've conceded three goals at home and that was disappointing.

"As an ex-defender, you look upon yourself and I'm sure the boys will analyse it and we'll analyse it as a group, as well.

"But to concede three goals at home - especially if you want to make this a fortress which we've been banging on about the last couple of weeks - it is what it is.

“We were delighted to come in at half-time 2-1 up but their goal soon after half-time pegged us back and we seemed quite happy to be content for a 2-2.

“They scored again to go 3-2 up and we then came out and played and threw a little bit of caution to the wind.

“We had a bit of a huff and puff at the end where we’ve created numerous chances to perhaps come away with a draw.

“But you have to credit Exeter and the way they performed – they passed the ball and made us work a lot harder than we have done over the last couple of games.

“We just looked a little bit off it but we’ll assess it, analyse it and move forward.”