Colchester United boss, John McGreal, insisted that the long 11-minute break for an injury to referee Kevin Johnson, just before Plymouth snatched their winner, was a key moment in the game following today’s 2-1 defeat in Devon.

The score was 1-1 and the U’s were looking the more likely winners, when Mr Johnson collided with home striker Jimmy Spencer (on 75 minutes) and was eventually stretchered off.

Within 60 seconds of the restart, Sam Walker’s attempted clearance from Luke Prosser’s poor back pass struck substitute Ryan Donaldson and ricocheted into an empty net for the winner.

“It’s another game that we did not deserve to lose, and the break for the referee’s injury was obviously a big moment,” rued McGreal.

“Plymouth had not really had an effort on target in the second half, and I thought we deserved at least a point.

“We were just beginning to build up some momentum, when we had the long break, and then they score almost straight away with the ball going in off his (Donaldson’s) arm or even his back.

“That’s how it’s been going for us at the moment, I’m afraid.

“Luke Prosser has held up his hands for the goal. He admitted that it was his mistake.

“There’s no way we deserved to lose, but we must move on,” added McGreal,