Colchester United face the stark prospect of a relegation fight after they crashed 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Port Vale.

Not that keeper Andy Woodman could have done much about the lightning strike which settled it.

Dave Brammer's second-half long-range shot was driven into the top of the net and left the U's shell shocked.

Earlier the U's had managed to put the Vale defence under pressure in the first half forcing a string of corners.

But Mark Goodlad was equal to the task in the Vale goal.

The U's had their chances with defender Joe Keith shaving the post and another U's shot just going over from a long-range effort were two of the better attempts.

But Barry Conlon's direct drive at Goodlad in injury time suggested a side lacking the confidence and enthusiasm they had shown when they put four past Bristol City in their last home match.

Saturday's penalty scorer Aaron Skelton was replaced by Steve McGavin mid way through the second half but the U's still struggled to make an impact.

The harsh reality is one win in the last eight is relegation form and Steve Whitton will now have to revitalist the squad ahead of the away game against high-flyers Walsall on Saturday.

For a full match report and pictures see tonight's Evening Gazette

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