Colchester United head coach John McGreal admits his side contributed to their own downfall tonight after they were beaten by Cambridge United in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The U's lost 3-1 in their final Group B encounter at the Abbey Stadium, to exit the competition.

Ade Azeez scored either side of half-time to leave Colchester with it all to do.

And although Harry Pell's fine strike in the second minute of stoppage time against his former club gave the visitors brief hope, Emmanuel Osadebe sealed Cambridge's win seconds later.

McGreal said: "I think mistakes have cost us tonight.

"If you look at some of the mistakes we've made they were poor but it's one where we can learn from it and hopefully learn from it quickly.

"On the other side of it, we got into some unbelievable positions and we haven't picked out the right man or the right cross or got on the end of it.

"In the second half especially, we had some good opportunities but haven't taken them.

"It's key moments in games, I keep saying this.

"It's a tough one to take, a 3-1 defeat.

"In the first half, we started OK but then they grew into it.

"We gave away a sloppy goal and then a sloppy penalty and then you're always on the back foot.

"We've just got to learn how to keep ourselves in the game, if we don't score early on."

McGreal made six changes to his Colchester starting line-up against Cambridge, with teenage defender Ollie Kensale handed his senior debut.

"We've had to change it round," added McGreal.

"We gave Ollie Kensdale his debut and Diaz (Wright) came back in.

"We put a competitive team out and I think that team was good enough to win the game.

"Obviously we haven't but again, I don't think it's through lack of trying."