Colchester United's sand-covered pitch is more suited to rugby than football right now. And, following tonight's 2-0 defeat at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, Blues find themselves trying to tackle the serious threat of relegation. Steve Tilson's side have now gone five games without a win and are just two points above the drop zone.
Southend Echo

Anthony Wordsworth once again proved to be the thorn in Southend's side as his brace sealed victory for Colchester in the Essex derby last night. The 21-year-old - many of whose family live in Southend and support the Shrimpers - scored either side of the break to take the U's to within two points of third-place Charlton. Having scored the crucial second at Roots Hall on Boxing Day earlier this season, Wordsworth - a U's youth team product - has now scored three goals against the club's local rivals.
East Anglian Daily Times

Adam Barrett got stuck in the mud to gift Colchester the comedy goal of the season. Southend's skipper tried to clear Anthony Wordsworth's tame prod at goal in the third minute. But he kicked the heavily-sanded pitch instead - and the ball trickled in. Wordsworth admitted: "It was definitely the easiest goal I've ever scored."
The Sun