Lee Novak scored a dramatic late winner for Huddersfield Town with the last kick of the game to inflict a 2-1 defeat on Colchester United.

It looked as though the U's had earned a well-earned point at the Galpharm Stadium, after Simon Hackney had cancelled out Theo Robinson's early opener.

However, Novak scored from close range in the fourth minute of stoppage-time from Gary Roberts' free-kick to sink the U's and seal victory for play-off hopefuls Huddersfield.

Colchester went close to taking the lead in the sixth minute.

Ian Henderson, one of three changes to the U's starting line-up, forced Terriers goalkeeper Alex Smithies to tip over the bar, after Tom Clarke's tackle on Kevin Lisbie had rebounded to him in the area.

But Colchester were behind in the 15th minute.

After Jordan Rhodes' deflected effort flew into the side-netting, Paul Reid was adjudged to have handled Kevin Pilkington's resultant corner.

Referee Keith Stroud pointed to the spot and Theo Robinson slotted home the penalty.

Despite the scoreline, Colchester looked bright as an attacking force in the first half.

Anthony Wordsworth and David Fox both went close and Lisbie headed over from Wordsworth's cross.

Robinson's first-time effort sailed narrowly wide just before the half-time and the second half was a rather quiet affair, with little in the way of goalmouth action.

However, Colchester more than held their own and equalised with 14 minutes to go.

Substitute Kayode Odejayi left Peter Clarke for dead down the right and after his cross eluded the on-rushing Kem Izzet just outside the six-yard box, Simon Hackney slotted home for his first U's goal since November.

Smithies then saved Wordsworth's low shot while at the other end, substitute Nathan Eccleston's low cross skimmed tantalisingly past Lee Novak inside the U's area, as both sides went for a winner.

And Novak swept home in the fourth minute of stoppage-time to secure victory and break Colchester hearts.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction from Colchester's match at Huddersfield, see Monday's Gazette.