Colchester slide to a costly defeat against play-off rivals - U's 0 Cheltenham 2

The League Two high-fliers are both in the thick of the play-off race, with the Robins starting fifth and John McGreal’s men sixth.

However, the U’s quest to close the gap went awry as they conceded goals in either half through Alfie May and Chris Hussey.

It was a huge blow for the north Essex side, who were desperately hoping to build on last weekend’s morale-boosting 2-1 victory at Salford City.

Instead, they ended up slipping out of the play-off zone and down to eighth.

They now have ten games left to finish strongly and give themselves a shot at returning to League One.

Colchester found themselves behind at the break but perhaps harshly so.

The first half was hardly a classic but genuine chances were at a premium for both sides.

In fact, aside from the goal, the U’s fashioned the best of them after clever approach play from Callum Harriott.

He fed Ben Stevenson and the midfielder did superbly to make space for himself – only to see his rising effort from the right of the area blocked by keeper Owen Evans.

Aside from that, there was little between the teams until Cheltenham fashioned their opener, when May sprung the offside trap and scampered onto Chris Clements’ pass.

He coolly slid the ball under Dean Gerken and although the keeper got something on the shot, he was unable to prevent it spinning into the U’s net.

It was May’s sixth goal of the season and a huge one for the Robins.

Omar Sowunmi also went close for the hosts with a towering header from a corner that was blocked by Ryan Broom.

And in another eye-catching move, Harriott slipped in Theo Robinson, whose low cross from the left was just in front of Harry Pell.

After the break, Sowunmi made a heroic tackle in the six-yard box to thwart Ben Tozer, after Broom’s cross was flicked on by Will Boyle.

Then there was another big scare for the U’s when Gerken was called on to make an excellent reflex save to deny Max Sheaf.

Colchester responded with a double change, beefing up their attack by bringing on Frank Nouble and Luke Norris for Kwame Poku and Brandon Comley.

But they suffered a bodyblow 11 minutes from time when Chris Hussey added Cheltenham’s second.

The defender whipped in a free-kick from the right and the ball had such power that it evaded everyone and nestled into the far top corner.

It was a pivotal moment and one that took the wind out of Colchester’s sails.

The game petered out and, to add insult to injury, Sowunmi was sent off deep in stoppage time after being shown a second yellow card for a handball.

McGreal’s men must now lick their wounds and prepare for next weekend’s long trip to Carlisle United.