COLCHESTER United boss Joe Dunne admitted that today’s 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Walsall was “an opportunity missed.”

A 62nd minute goal from man-of-the-match Febian Brandy proved sufficient to earn Walsall a first victory in 17 games, while inflicting an eighth defeat in nine on the U’s.

Both Jabo Ibehre and Josh Thompson hit the bar for the U’s, but once again they came up short, this time against fellow lowly opposition.

“It’s another very disappointing defeat,” rued Dunne.

“That’s an understatement, because I felt we could come here and get something from the game.

“I was really pleased to keep a clean-sheet in the first half. We defended well, and we decided to go for it in the second half.

“However, once again we got caught by a ball over the top.

“It’s not falling for us at the moment. Jabo (Ibehre) and Josh (Thompson) both hit the bar, when those chances would probably have gone in at the start of my managerial career.

“Unfortunately, we have kick-started another team’s season,” added Dunne.

On a brighter note, Dunne revealed that he had signed left winger Jack Compton from Portsmouth. Compton will be arriving when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Dunne also said that negotiations were going well with the possible signings of Josh Thompson and Jabo Ibehre on permanent contracts.