John McGreal admits Colchester United’s supporters had a right to vent their anger following another dismal away defeat.

Some U’s fans made their feelings known in the aftermath of their side’s 3-1 reverse at Cheltenham Town, their fourth successive loss on their travels in League Two.

A total of 200 U’s supporters made the trip to Whaddon Road and head coach McGreal conceded they deserved more from their team - but urged them to stay behind his players.

McGreal said: “The supporters were unbelievable.

“I’ve said to the lads that in every away match as a group, we go over to them.

“They were obviously booing the boys and myself but they have a right to.

“Our away form is nowhere near good enough and they pay good money to come and watch.

“There was a big number of them (at Cheltenham) and a lot of them showed great support.

“A lot of them were unhappy and we totally understand that but hopefully they can stay with us and we can get that win together.”

Frustrated McGreal said his Colchester side’s “naivety shone through” at Cheltenham, after they slumped to a dismal defeat.

Kevin Dawson’s brace left the U’s 2-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes, before Sammie Szmodics netted from the spot before half-time.

However, Mikael Mandron was dismissed for deliberate handball after half-time and although keeper Sam Walker saved Brian Graham’s subsequent spot-kick, Jamie Grimes’ strike just before the hour sealed Colchester’s fate and inflicted upon them another away loss.

“Naivety shone through again away from home and we have to try and adjust that,” said the U’s boss.

“We have to get that result over the line that will give us the belief with our away performances.

“It’s about taking responsibility and taking ownership and do what you’re in that position to do – if that’s to have opportunities to score you take them and when you’ve got to defend, you’ve got to defend.

“It’s not rocket science.

“We had a great week of preparation and we’d taken four points out of six.

“The boys had been in a great place and we started as we’d been training throughout the week, on the front foot.”

McGreal admitted he was disappointed with Mandron’s decision to handle the ball in the area, resulting the striker’s second-half dismissal.

He added: “Mika said he had to do it (handle the ball in the area) because he seemed to think that it was going on but he hasn’t.

“It will be another one to look at really but if you put your hands in the air, then you’re going to give the referee to do what he’s done.

“It was a great penalty save by Sam (Walker) but we’re down to ten men and then we have to readjust again.”