COLCHESTER United's dream of reaching the play-offs ended at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon when they lost 3-1 to Stoke City.Colchester had taken the lead through a Chris Iwelumo penalty in the 38th minute but Darel Russell equalised after 53 minutes.

COLCHESTER United's dream of reaching the play-offs ended at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon when they lost 3-1 to Stoke City.

Colchester had taken the lead through a Chris Iwelumo penalty in the 38th minute but Darel Russell equalised after 53 minutes.

Mamady Sidibe put Stoke in front in the 57th minute and then Danny Higginbotham added a third after 62 minutes. Colchester also had Chris Barker sent off.