BLUES boss Jim Magilton admitted his side committed a smash and grab to beat Colchester United.After looking second best for the most part Town were inspired to a come back after Neil Alexander saved his first penalty for the Blues.

By Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton admitted his side committed a smash and grab to beat Colchester United.

After looking second best for the most part Town were inspired to a come back after Neil Alexander saved his first penalty for the Blues.

Jon Walters levelled three minutes after a controversial penalty incident after Clive Platt had given the U's the lead and then substitutes Liam Trotter and Danny Haynes wrapped up their ninth successive home win.

Magilton felt a penalty decision against Neil Alexander, who got up to save Mark Yeates' spot kick was the turning point because it lifted the home crowd.

Magilton said: “The assistant was in a fantastic position to see it and the referee had a chat with him. Neil Alexander should have been sent off but I believe the referee thought it was dubious and only gave him yellow.

“It was a fantastic save which seemed to inspire the crowd and it inspired us.

“The crowd became vociferous because they don't like injustices here and they felt that was an injustice.

“It lifted us and we score through Jon Walters and like them all he had persevered.”

The win equalled a 25-year-old record for the last time Town had won nine in a row at home but Magilton felt they were fortunate to be going for a tenth.

He said: “It was a smash and grab but I will take it.

“The 3-1 score-line is a slight injustice for Colchester because we will pay better than that and lose.”

21-year-old Liam Trotter, who was once released by the academy but returned after a spell in Bury, scored on his home debut.

Magilton had included him on the bench after he showed he can score from midfield in a 3-0 win over Norwich last week.

Magilton said: “Liam has this wonderful knack of scoring goals from midfield and he was in the right place to score.

“He had a slightly unhappy experience at Millwall because he went on loan and didn't play but came back and has worked hard.”

Magilton was pleased with some aspects of Town's game but knows they will have to play better against wolves on Saturday.

He added: “The resilience we showed was very pleasing because we were not fantastic and the three points is a big, big result for us.

“Colchester played very well and when they scored against the run of play it gave them confidence.

“We needed half time to come for reassurance and get them to increase our tempo and quality

“Even second half when we pressed Colchester played very well. It was a fantastic ball from Jackson for Lisbie but it was a dubious penalty.”

Alexander was adamant it was not a penalty and added: “There was clear daylight between me and Lisbie.

“Luckily I made the save and we went up the other end and scored.

“As I was waiting for the penalty kick I was thinking 'oh no if it goes to 2-0 the manager will kill me'.”