SUTTON United boss Steve Morison was left to rue Harry Smith’s late penalty miss after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Colchester United.

Sutton had a golden opportunity to claim a precious win in their battle to beat the drop from League Two when they were awarded an 80th-minute spot-kick, after U’s defender Riley Harbottle had handled substitute Stephen Duke-McKenna’s shot in the area.

However, Colchester goalkeeper Owen Goodman dived to his right to save Smith’s penalty, leaving the division’s bottom club to have to settle for a point and Morison frustrated.

READ MORE: Colchester United fans have their say on Sutton United draw

Morison said: “You’re standing thinking ‘this is going to be the moment’ and you’re going to score but it didn’t happen.

“We’re in every single game that we play but we’re just gutted, because unfortunately the goalkeeper’s made a good save.

“It’s the first penalty we’ve had this season.

“We should have had a penalty in the first half and didn’t get it; they gave us one in the second half.

“Penalties for me are about who wants to step up and take them.

Gazette:

“Harry wanted to take it and unfortunately, the goalkeeper made a save.

“On the balance of chances, we should be leaving here with a win but we haven’t, so the only option we’ve got now is to dust ourselves down and, I know it’s a cliché, we’ve got another game on Tuesday.

“That’s all we can focus on.”

Morison is still searching for his first win as Sutton manager, following his appointment as Matt Gray’s replacement, last month.

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The former Cardiff City boss is desperately trying to keep the West London club in the EFL but they are now without a win in their last 11 attempts and “It’s not about me,” added Morison.

“It’s about Sutton United, it’s about the players, it’s about the fans and the people connected with the football club.

“It’s nothing to do with me; I’m just here to try and help them be the best people they can be and perform the best they can.

“While it’s possible, we’ll keep fighting.”