Colchester United manager Joe Dunne was incensed by the manner of Preston’s winning goal, which he felt should have been ruled out for offside.

Brian Wilson’s 81st minute own goal gifted the Lilywhites all three points, when Chris Humphrey’s cross-cum-shot had been kept out by keeper Sam Walker, only to deflect in off Wilson.

But Dunne felt that the assistant referee should already have raised his flag for offside, against striker Joe Garner, in the build up to the goal.

Dunne blasted: “The ball through was three yards offside.

“The linesman has got to make a decision, and it’s a poor decision.

“It detracts from an excellent performance, I thought we were excellent, and we really matched Preston.

“We had as manay chances as them, and we were good going forward.

“Today we were just unlucky,” added Dunne.

Tom Clarke had headed Preston into a 29th minute lead, and Jabo Ibehre then had a 32nd minute penalty saved by Likywhites keeper Declan Rudd.

Ibehre made amends by sweeping home a second-half equaliser, before Wilson’s unfortunate own goal handed victory to Preston.

U’s keeper Sam Walker said of the winning goal: “It (Humphrey’s shot) hit me square in the face and bounced straight into Brian, who had no chance.”