Colchester United boss, John McGreal, had no complaints following his side’s 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Northampton Town.

McGreal admitted that the Cobblers were the better team, taking the three points via goals from Matt Crooks on 48 minutes and substitute Billy Waters in the first minute of injury-time, before a 94th minute own goal by Aaron Pierre gave the hosts a consolation.

It was the U’s first defeat of the season.

“You have to give credit to the opposition,” insisted McGreal.

“Northampton did a good number on us. I have no complaints.

“We knew that this would be our hardest game of the season so far. Northampton are a big team in this division, even though they have found it tough at the start of the season.

“It was only going to be a matter of time before they found their feet, and we are still trying to bridge the gap between these sort of teams in this division.

- Colchester United 1 Northampton 2: match report

“We did ever so well against Crewe (6-0 win) on Tuesday night, and like other teams, we have found it difficult to do it again.

“We gave it a good go in the last half-hour. We changed our shape and I think we had more energy.

“We hit the bar and their keeper made a couple of good saves.

“And it’s still been a terrific start to the season for us,” added McGreal, whose U’s side are sixth in the table after five matches.