Colchester United's poor start to the season continued this afternoon when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Doncaster Rovers.

The U's suffered a third successive defeat in League One and are still searching for their first win of the campaign after six matches, following their narrow defeat at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester made the worst possible start when they fell behind after less than three minutes.

A poor throw by goalkeeper Mark Cousins allowed David Cotterill to send a looping shot into the net, from the edge of the area.

Colchester responded well to the setback, with Andy Bond and Freddie Sears both denied by goalkeeper Gary Woods.

The U's finally got back on level terms on the half hour through Magnus Okuonghae, whose deflected low shot from the edge of the area struck the foot of the post before rolling over the line and in.

Colchester pressed for a second after that and Marcus Bean was desperately unlucky to see his fierce shot crash against the crossbar, just before half-time.

But David Syres squandered a great chance for the visitors just before the break.

And Colchester fell behind again just after the interval when Bond headed Cotterill's free-kick into his own net, from close range.

Colchester struggled to test keeper Woods in the second half and Cotterill almost added to Doncaster's lead with 11 minutes to go when his shot from the edge of the area flashed just wide.

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