Colchester United's play-off hopes continue to fade after they were beaten 3-1 at Hartlepool United this afternoon.

The U's slumped to their sixth successive away defeat in Coca-Cola League One, after a brace from Roy O'Donovan and another from James Brown gave Pools the points, at Victoria Park.

Colchester took the lead in the ninth minute.

Hartlepool skipper Sam Collins failed to deal with David Prutton's through-pass, allowing Clive Platt to square the ball for Ian Henderson to stroke home.

But the U's lead lasted less than two minutes.

Leon McSweeney was released by O'Donovan and crossed for the unmarked James Brown to head home an equaliser from close range.

And Hartlepool went ahead eight minutes later through O'Donovan, who swept home from Andy Monkhouse's pass from close range.

Colchester pressed for an equaliser in the second half, with Pools keeper Scott Flinders saving Kevin Lisbie's header at his near post.

But when substitute Simon Hackney brought down McSweeney in the area, O'Donovan blasted home the resultant penalty for his second of the game to secure victory for Hartlepool.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's defeat at Hartlepool United, see Monday's Gazette.