Colchester United are licking their wounds this morning after crashing out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage.

The U's were beaten 2-1 by fellow Coca-Cola League One side Leyton Orient, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

After the excitement of Carrow Road, this was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show for Colchester.

Those U's fans who turned up expecting more goals after the thumping 7-1 triumph at Norwich City three days earlier were left hugely disappointed, as they watched their team exit the cup.

It was an illustration of how quickly fortunes can change in football.

O's manager Geraint Williams, on his first appearance at the Weston Homes Community Stadium following his departure as U's boss last September, made a winning return to his former club, thanks to goals from Adrian Patulea and JJ Melligan.

And although Simon Hackney pulled a goal back for the U's from a free-kick, it proved to be the final kick of the match.

And Clive Platt's red card for violent conduct before the end compounded Colchester's misery.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's defeat, see today's Gazette.