Colchester United suffered their first home league defeat in more than three months after losing 2-0 to fellow promotion hopefuls Southampton.

But they can be proud of their spirited second-half display against the Saints.

David Mooney's red card for pushing Danny Butterfield just after the half-hour mark meant the U's had to play nearly an hour with only ten men.

And goals from Alex Chamberlain and former Colchester favourite Dean Hammond condemned John Ward's side to only their third home defeat of the season, in front of 6,523, the biggest crowd of the season at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Mooney was thwarted by Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis in the opening stages and Colchester looked bright early on.

Anthony Wordsworth came agonisingly close to connecting with Mooney's low cross which zipped across the face of goal and the U's made all the running in the opening stages.

However, they fell behind when highly-rated Saints winger Alex Chamberlain scored from close range, after Rickie Lambert's free-kick had deflected off the wall and into his path.

And the U's were reduced to ten men two minutes later when Mooney was sent off for the first time in English football for pushing Southampton defender Danny Butterfield.

Colchester goalkeeper Ben Williams denied Adam Lallana soon after but the Saints doubled their lead, five minutes into the second half.

Former U's midfielder Dean Hammond rattled in a low shot from the edge of the area, after Colchester had failed to clear a corner.

Williams denied Richard Chaplow soon after and former Southend United striker Lee Barnard poked wide.

Colchester battled well and produced a spirited performance in the second half, despite having a man less.

But Williams saved from Lallana late on and the U's were unable to find a way of salvaging the game.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's game with Southampton, see Monday's Gazette.