STEVE Cotterill insists Saturday's 2-1 home defeat was a "travesty" after bossing Colchester at Turf Moor.

The U's took all three points after snatching a two-goal lead through Kevin Watson and a Chris Iwelumo penalty, awarded when John McGreal was adjudged to have fouled Chris Garcia.

Andy Gray fired a late consolation and came within a whisker of an injury-time equaliser but, despite heavy pressure in the closing stages, Burnley fell short.

Clarets boss Cotterill believes his side deserved more reward from the game.

"It's a game we dominated. Absolutely dominated," explained Cotterill.

"They've had three efforts on goal including the penalty.

"They've entered our final third 14 times, including goal-kicks. We've probably been in theirs over 60 times.

"We just needed that little bit of something in the final third. We needed the bounce of the ball and maybe that little bit of luck, that perhaps we didn't get.

"It's a travesty really that we haven't got anything out of that game. I can't believe it.

"We were the better team, the better team by miles.

"Today, Colchester will be riding out of town with their sombreros on."

Cotterill added: "You are not going to take every chance, we know that. But their keeper has pulled off a few smart saves as well.

"The volley from Gifton was a fantastic save. That one really sticks out because he caught that very well.

"The one at the end where Andy has headed it. I think if he had a bit more time, he could have got a thigh on it and punched that one in the corner or volley it in.

"I would expect him to score really. But it's a disappointing day for us.

"We mustn't really dwell on it. We played well and on another day, that will get us three points.

"We had enough possession. I'm just disappointed not to come away with anything."

Cotterill felt aggrieved at the penalty decision that, ultimately, lost Burnley the game.

And he criticised Brian Jensen for diving to his right, after taking into account Iwelumo's previous spot-kicks.

He said: "I don't think it was a penalty. John McGreal said it wasn't a penalty.

"The linesman has given a corner and the referee has gone looking at him, looking at him, and wanting him to make a decision.

"I haven't got any complaints with the players. I'm fine with them.

"If I'm disappointed with any of my players today, it's with the decision that Brian made on the penalty, considering we looked at it.

"He has his own mind, but we're disappointed Brian hasn't gone that way.