Colchester United boss, John McGreal, insisted that his side “should never have lost” to Notts County, following today’s 2-1 defeat at Meadow Lane.

The U’s seemed to have earned a deserved point, when substitute Sanmi Odelusi swept home his first goal for the club in the 89th minute, just three minutes after coming on as a substitute.

But midfielder Ryan Yates then poked home a 93rd minute corner to secure all three points for high-flying Notts County.

Earlier, Shola Ameobi had converted a 68th minute penalty, following a foul by Mikael Mandron, and Mandron himself had then seen his 77th minute penalty saved by home keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

“We should never have lost that game today,” rued McGreal.

“I thought the performance was excellent and we played some of our best football since I’ve been in charge, in that first half.

“It’s very disappointing to lose it, and it’s certainly a tough one to take.

“We gave away a silly penalty, but then came back. We missed a penalty, but then changed the personnel and kept going.

“Sanmi scored a great goal, having got on the blind-side of the defender. It was a great ball by Mikael (Mandron) and a composed finish from Sanmi.

“But we should then be seeing the game out, which we weren’t able to do,” added McGreal.

With regards the missed penalty, McGreal said: “Sammie (Szmodics) scored our last penalty (at Cheltenham), but Mikael grabbed the ball and once he did that, he was always going to take it. He had the bottle to take it,”

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan said: “Colchester were very good, and I think they will be up there, or thereabouts, come the end of the season.”