MIDFIELDER Martin Smith says he and his Swindon Town team-mates were left devastated after slipping to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Colchester United on Saturday.

Colchester, who are now up to third in the League Two table, had won their last four contests at the Colchester Community Centre, and continued that strong home form against Phil Brown’s side.

As expected, the game was a tight one as Town more than matched the home side up until the stroke of half-time when United’s former Swindon striker Luke Norris was struck down with an ankle injury moments into injury time.

After the game restarted, Colchester immediately took the lead through Sammie Szmodics after former Town man Frank Nouble picked him out in the box – a strike that would prove to be decisive come the final whistle.

The game was one of fine margins, and Smith says the Town players were left kicking themselves after leaving Essex empty-handed.

“There was nothing in it. It was a tight game and we cancelled each other out,” said Smith.

“There weren’t many saves, there weren’t many shots and there weren’t many chances. I think the game was going to be won with a bit of magic or a mistake.

“We got to 45 minutes, Luke Norris went down with an injury and then we’ve switched off as a collective, as a team.

“The lads are devastated with the way we conceded the goal.

“Then in the second half, we got out and tried to do what we did in the second half last week against Notts County.

“We took the game to them. We were positive and we dominated the second half, we just couldn’t get that goal.”

In the second half, Smith was handed a golden opportunity to restore parity when a smart one-two with substitute Keshi Anderson sent him through on goal.

However, his right-footed shot was well kept out by United stopper Rene Gilmartin, and the former Sunderland youngster says he should have done better with the chance.

“I’ve got to score. I’ve got to put the ball in the net because it is a great chance,” said Smith.

“I got in with a one-two with Keshi and I have to put it into the back of the net because in games like that, there is nothing in them.”