Colchester United manager, John McGreal, felt that his side were just getting on top when Portsmouth scored the first of their two late goals at Fratton Park this afternoon, in a 2-0 defeat.

The U’s were undone by a late brace of goals from Gary Roberts.

Winger Roberts was fouled in the penalty area by Drey Wright on 80 minutes, and it was Roberts who picked himself up to convert the ensuing penalty.

It was 2-0 just three minutes later, with Roberts winning a race against keeper Sam Walker to send the ball into an unguarded net.

“It’s a shame that we have nothing to show from the game, after the lads put in a good shift,” explained McGreal.

“Our plan had been working to a tee. Looking at the scoreboard, with 70 minutes gone, we were at 0-0 and we had also had the best chance (Craig Slater’s shot) of the second half.

“I thought the game was edging our way, and thought we might nick a goal.

“But we then conceded the penalty, and I have no qualms about that. There was a coming together for the penalty.

“We had managed to get five or 10 yards further up the pitch in the second half, and that had got us on the front foot.

“It was working quite well until they scored, and we then conceded a second quickly afterwards.

“We have often conceded two quickfire goals in the past. When will we learn?” added McGreal.