COLCHESTER United defender, Matthew Connolly refused to account for his side's 1-0 defeat at Coventry City as a matter of “bad luck.”There was a slice of good fortune about Sky Blues striker Michael Mifsud's 81st minute winner.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United defender, Matthew Connolly refused to account for his side's 1-0 defeat at Coventry City as a matter of “bad luck.”

There was a slice of good fortune about Sky Blues striker Michael Mifsud's 81st minute winner. His shot took a deflection off defender Pat Baldwin and rolled in off the far post.

“Perhaps we're not getting the rub of the green at the moment but we've got to see these games out. We have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes,” admitted Connolly.

“The goal took a deflection, a lucky deflection, but the lad (Mifsud) worked the space well and showed a good touch.

“We must learn to keep our concentration for the last 10 minutes because we are being caught out by late goals.

“I thought we played well as a team for most of the game but we didn't create many chances.

“We looked solid at the back, and in a way it reminded me of the Preston game when we won 3-0, but without us scoring the goals.

“We were hoping to bounce back after the defeat at Ipswich (3-1), but it just didn't happen.

“We worked very hard in that game, and were disappointed not to get the result. Yet it didn't really affect us in this game,” added Connolly.

The 20-year-old Arsenal loanee started the U's first five league games of the campaign before being sent off during the 2-2 home draw against Charlton for a professional foul on Chris Iwelumo.

He then spent a month on the bench, watching Adam Virgo partner Baldwin at the heart of defence.

Connolly added: “It was frustrating not to be playing. I started the season well but the sending-off knocked me back. I'm pleased to now be back in the side. I just had to wait for my chance again.”

The U's entertain Leicester City in front of the Sky TV cameras next Saturday, followed by another home fixture (midweek) against Plymouth and a trip to leaders Watford.

There is then a two-week break for internationals.