COLCHESTER United slumped to their first defeat of the season after a hard fought away game against Portsmouth finished 2-0.

There were three changes to the U’s starting line-up for their League 2 game against Portsmouth, at Fratton Park, on Saturday.

Head coach McGreal dropped Chris Porter, Drey Wright and Sammie Szmodics to the bench, handing a starting position to Denny Johnstone – who scored the second goal in Colchester’s impressive victory over Cambridge United.

There were also starts for Craig Slater, signed from Kilmarnrock over the summer, and Doug Loft.

Colchester United failed to start as brightly as they did on the opening day against Haratlepool United and in their subsequent wins over Cambridge and Grimsby Town.

The opening exchanges saw Portsmouth’s Gary Roberts fire an accurate cross into the box, flicked on by Curtis Main just wide of goal.

Brennan Dickenson, fresh from his brace against Grimsby Town during the week, started well – swinging in a great cross which sailed past the head of Johnstone.

Portsmouth grew into the game during the first half, with some good interplay between Kyle Bennett and Gary Roberts on the left wing.

The U’s defended strongly and the tough challenges flew in thick and fast.

Guthrie was booked for a strong tackle on Stevens, with Kinsella and Portsmouth skipper Doyle soon picking up yellows.

Portsmouth had chances to go ahead, with a number of corners and free kicks in dangerous positions on the edge of the area, but Colchester defended resolutely.

Colchester dropped further into their own half as the first half wore on, with a great save down to Walker’s left keeping Portsmouth striker Chris Main at bay.

Colchester United came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, but chances remained few and far between.

The U’s defended well against several dangerous corners as the game became more and more scrappy.

Dickenson remained lively down the left, crossing for the impressive Craig Slater who fired a good shot across the face of goal, saved well by Portsmouth keeper David Forde.

McGreal threw on Chris Porter in place of the largely ineffectual Denny Johnstone, as the U’s went in search of a winner.

But disaster struck for the U’s with ten minutes left to play when substitute Drey Wright’s legs tangled with Noel Hunt’s.

The referee pointed to the spot and Gary Roberts, impressive all game for Portsmouth, dispatched into the corner.

The goal took the wind out of Colchester’s sails and Portsmouth quickly grabbed a second.

Roberts broke down the centre this time, knocking the ball past Colchester’s back line and chipping over the advancing Walker.

Colchester attempted to rally, with Forde saving well from Loft’s goalward-bound drive from the edge of the area.

But it wasn’t enough for the visiting side, who were performing well in the second half before the penalty was awarded.

For five pages of coverage of Colchester’s game with Portsmouth, see Monday’s Daily Gazette.