Colchester United slumped to their first defeat in six league and cup matches after losing 1-0 at lowly Brentford tonight.

Charlie MacDonald scored the Bees' winner early on to sink the U's at Griffin Park.

Colchester received a scare early on when MacDonald's shot whistled just past the post.

And although Marc Tierney went close at the other end, the U's found themselves trailing after a quarter of an hour.

John Bostock's effort was blocked but seconds later, the young Spurs loanee picked out MacDonald, who stooped to head past keeper Ben Williams from close range.

Colchester had their chances to equalise in the first half, with Kevin Lisbie and Kayode Odejayi both denied by keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

But the Bees threatened to extend their lead before the break, with keeper Williams saving from Ben Strevens, just before the break.

Szczesny made a good save at his near post to foil John-Joe O'Toole just before the hour mark and David Fox's 30-yard attempt dropped inches wide, after Szczesny's scuffed clearance.

Substitutes Phil Ifil and Steven Gillespie both went close for Colchester near the end, but they were unable to force an equaliser.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's game at Brentford, see tomorrow's Gazette.