McGreal reveals U’s injury woes after defeat to Bury

Sammie Szmodics is shoulder-to-shoulder with Bury centre-half Eoghan O'Connell during the first half. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

What could go wrong, did go wrong, as the U’s suffered only their second defeat of the season from 10 league starts.

The U’s were severely hampered by injuries to centre-halves Frankie Kent and Tom Eastman, which forced several reshuffles in the heart of defence during a frustrating afternoon at the Community Stadium.

And the Shakers took full advantage, scoring goals in each half via strikers Byron Moore and Chris Dagnall.

Luke Norris bagged his seventh goal of the season with an 82nd minute penalty to at least set up an exciting finish.

But Norris also picked up an injury near the end, and he might well be a doubt for Tuesday night’s home match against Yeovil.

McGreal said: “It was a difficult afternoon.

“We have lost two centre-halves again, like the club did a couple of years ago with Frankie Kent and Lloyd Doyley.

“This time Frankie has gone over on his ankle, while Tom felt sick at half-time following his clash of heads with Chris Dagnall.

“So it was a tough afternoon, with players coming out of position and having to adapt.

“Still, it was a gritty display and we nearly got a point out of it. The game could have gone away for us when we were 2-0 down, but the boys stuck in there.

“Unfortunately, I can’t see Frankie (Kent) and Tom (Eastman) being OK for Tuesday, and Luke (Norris) does not look good with his ankle either.

“But we will reassess after this weekend,” added McGreal.

Bury boss Ryan Lowe said: “I thought we controlled the game very early on.

“We set out to get into Colchester’s faces, which we did.

“But Colchester are a good team, and not many teams will do what we have managed to do today.”