STANLEY boss John Coleman believes his side would be challenging for a play-off place were it not for regular errors.

The Reds fell to a 2-0 defeat at Cambridge with the hosts gifted their opening goal when goalkeeper Toby Savin could only spill Adam May’s shot into the path of Sam Smith.

Dimi Mitov made two fine saves to keep Coleman’s side at bay before Wes Hoolahan sealed the points deep into stoppage time after a superb assist by James Brophy.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose. I think anyone who was in the ground would agree with that, even the most ardent Cambridge fans,” Coleman said. “But you don’t always get what you deserve.

“What’s plagued us all season, and the reason why we’re not in the play-offs, is because we’ve made silly mistakes. Another one pops up today.

“It was a mishit shot. Toby has come in and apologised. To concede that goal, it’s a killer because we’re on top, we’re playing like the home team, Cambridge are playing like the away team on the counter.

“We had a good chance before they score where it’s been scrambled off the line. It’s a better chance than theirs.

“Their first goal is not a chance. It’s just a howling mistake. We’re well into double figures with them this season and that’s why we are where we are in the league.

“We didn’t carve out enough clear-cut opportunities that our play deserved and ultimately if you don’t take your chances and you gift a team a goal you’re going to get beat.”

The result leaves Coleman’s men 13th in the League One table – 12 points behind sixth-placed Wycombe.

The Reds are back in action on Tuesday night when they head to the Eco-Power Stadium to face Doncaster (KO 7:45pm).