Optimism confounded

United lost 1-0 at home to Colchester this afternoon thanks to a goal on the stroke of half-time by Joseph Dunne. As predicted the only change from the line-up which beat Walsall was the one enforced by Jon Richardson's suspension, Lee Jarman stepping in to the captain's shoes, with Matt Murphy stepping into the captain's armband. In the 77th minute Jarman, who was United's only booking, was substituted for Peter Fear. The attendance was 5,064. A match report by Neil W can be read here.

Luton's game at home to Reading fell victim to the weather, but swindon somehow managed to beat Bury 3-0. Thankfully Port Vale went down 3-2 at Rotherham and neither Swansea nor Bristol Rovers had a game.