Colchester United boss, John McGreal, has apologised to the U’s travelling supporters following today’s 2-1 defeat at relegation battlers Accrington Stanley.

The U’s under-performed in the first-half, and were soon trailing to goals by leading scorer Billy Kee (18mins) and Matty Pearson (32).

Home defender Omar Beckles was sent off, just before half-time, but although the U’s improved in the second half, they could only score once via Chris Porter’s 76th minute penalty.

McGreal rued: “We didn’t really deserve anything from this game, although I would have taken it!

“The fans have travelled a long way to come and see a performance, but they didn’t get it in the first half, and I can only apologise for that.

“We could have nicked a point at the end. We had a little bit of a go, but they were down to 10 men at the time, so again I can only apologise to our supporters.

“They even gave the players a round of applause at the end, which shows their terrific support,” added McGreal.

Meanwhile, Accrington manager John Coleman was delighted with his side’s valuable three points, although he felt that his defender Omar Beckles should not have been sent off for his challenge on Brennan Dickenson, just before half-time.

“Even the Colchester bench were shocked by the red card,” insisted Coleman.

“I will have to see it again, but it says a lot when the whole ground is shocked!

“But I thought we were comfortably the better side, although the sending-off did change the complexion of the game,” added Coleman.