COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal felt the opening goal was a killer blow in today’s 3-0 defeat at Luton Town.

The hosts dominated and after Olly Lee put them in front in first-half stoppage time, the Hatters went on to add more goals through James Collins and Dan Potts.

McGreal felt his side should have defended better and was especially disappointed with Luton's opener, which changed the complexion of the League Two contest.

“The plan was working quite well but their first goal, just before half-time, killed us,” he said.

“It made it a very different team talk and took the wind out of our sails.

“Sam had made some good saves in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the first half and we’d have been delighted to get in at 0-0.

“But the goal showed our naivety, when we should have been seeing the half out.

“We’ve got to do the basics better, like dealing with a corner.

“We had a chance to regroup and still conceded, which we’ve done a couple of times now.

“That’s youth and naivety.

“We’re a young side and maybe there’s a bit naivety there, but we’ve got to take more responsibility and ownership.

“We started the second half okay, but conceded some poor goals and unfolded, as we’ve all seen.”

In addition to praising keeper Walker, McGreal was also impressed with Frankie Kent.

But overall, while disappointed with his side’s defending, he conceded that his side were up against a very lively and impressive Luton side.

“We were playing a very good Luton side and they’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season,” he said.

“It could have been a bit different, when Sammie’s header was saved (by Marek Stech).

“That was a key moment.

“Sam made some good saves, Frankie stood up like a man and was outstanding in that back-three line and Doug (Loft) showed his composure and experience but overall it was disappointing.”

McGreal was hampered by more injury worries, with three key players unavailable for selection.

Former Hatters loanee Lewis Kinsella had to replace Ryan Jackson in the starting line-up, Loft came in for Sean Murray, who was on the bench, and Kane Vincent-Young was handed a start at the expense of Kyel Reid.

Craig Slater also missed out because of a hip injury which now needs a scan.

“Injuries happen but we’re back to where we were last year, with six key players out injured,” said the U’s boss.

“It’s been a tough start but we’re a young, youthful side and things have changed since the summer.

“We’ll get back to the drawing board and need a little more belief.

“But with a bit more rub of the green, we’ll be alright.”