Colchester United manager Kevin Keen admitted that Tom Eastman’s sending-off was a key moment in today’s 5-2 defeat at Bury.

The U’s were 2-0 up and coasting at Gigg Lane, when Chris Porter (4) and Gavin Massey (17) both netted early on.

But centre-half Eastman’s sending-off, for two bookable offences on Leon Clarke, in the 33rd minute, was a turning point.

Ryan Lowe pulled a goal back from the ensuing free-kick, and Bury then scored four goals inside the first 17 minutes of the second period to blow away the U’s challenge.

Midfielder Andrew Tutte scored a hat-trick, with Craig Jones heading home the other.

“The sending-off was a massive moment in the game,” explained Keen.

“And not just that, because they scored off it (from the ensuing free-kick) as well, so it was a double whammy.

“Tom Eastman has played enough games to know not to make that challenge (for the second yellow). But I must see it again to decide whether it was a yellow.

“The boys were really up for it early on. We scored a couple of goals and there was a real enthusiasm to do things.

“But at the end of the day, it was another disappointing result and I understand the supporters’ frustrations,” added Keen.