Colchester United manager John Ward was adamant referee Chris Sarginson was wrong to award Scunthorpe United a controversial penalty which led to the U's sliding to a 1-0 defeat this afternoon.

Sarginson controversially ruled that Leon Clarke had been fouled in the area with 15 minutes to go and pointed to the spot, despite Colchester's protestations.

Clarke duly despatched the penalty from the spot, enabling Scunthorpe to go on and claim victory and condemn the U's to defeat and extend their run without a league win to eight matches this season.

Ward said: “I’m reluctant to complain about referees but they really should get things correct and the last couple of goals that we’ve conceded have been incorrect decisions.

“It sounds like I’m looking for an excuse and I’m not pleading bad luck or anything like that.

"We can’t do anything about that now and that’s just how life is at the moment but we have to be better in both boxes.

“We’re trying our hardest but it’s just not happening for us.

“We’re feeling a little bit sorry for ourselves at the moment but with a bit of reason.

“We have to continue to work hard and have the same attitude and approach to the game."

See Monday's Gazette for more reaction to Colchester's game with Scunthorpe and a match report and pictures from the match at Glanford Park.