Tom Eastman admitted that two defensive lapses, from corner kicks, cost the U’s a likely three points at Tranmere on Saturday.

Centre-half Eastman, who was off the pitch for 10 minutes during the first half, to have stitches inserted into a head wound, insisted that Saturday was a big chance gone begging.

But in the end, the U’s were beaten 2-1 by a brace from Ryan Lowe, despite a last minute consolation from Clinton Morrison.

“We have been pretty solid this season. We haven’t given away many goals from corners this season,” explained Eastman.

“But today was all about two set pieces, which we should have dealt with them.

“We should have got out there much quicker (for the second goal), and it was a soft penalty to give away.

“We definitely have to learn from these mistakes, because we can’t keep doing that.”

However, the ex-Ipswich Town defender was also adamant that the U’s missed chances, at the other end, were a prime reason for the Prenton Park defeat.

“Throughout the game we have had so many chances,” continued Eastman.

“Those two set pieces cost us the game, but we had several one-on-one chances, and Macca (Macauley Bonne) should have scored really with his header.

“We were dominant early on. I came back out (after treatment on his head injury) and Jabo (Ibehre) missed a chance.

“We should have got scored the first goal, and we should have got a win here.”

Pictures: Richard Blaxall