Gillingham had appeals for two second half penalties turned down on Saturday and both should have been given, said the manager.

Justin Edinburgh’s side had to settle for a draw in the end, after grabbing a late equaliser against Colchester United, but the big decisions went against the hosts.

Edinburgh said: “We should have had two penalties, one for handball and one for a foul on Jermaine McGlashan. Both were stonewell.

“If you don’t get one you certainly expect one out of two. For me both were penalties.”

Livewire winger McGlashan looked to have been tripped shortly after coming on for the second half and with 20 minutes left Doug Loft’s cross hit an arm in the box.

The Gills boss said: “I didn’t understand why the referee, in his position that he did take up for the McGlashan one, was looking at his assistant to guide him. That is his decision to make.

“I am disappointed we didn’t get one. We should have got two.”

McGlashan was adamant his trip should have led to a penalty. The game was tied 0-0 at the time. He tweeted “stonewall pen” after the game.

The Gills in the end had to do it the hard way, twice coming from behind.

Max Ehmer pulled it back to 1-1 and after Colchester scored with three minutes left, Doug Loft salvaged a point late on.

It was the least the Gills deserved according to Edinburgh.

“We were worthy of a point, if not a win,” he said.

“When we conceded as late as we did the players showed great character to rescue a point but it would have been a travesty had we not taken anything from the game.”

Loft’s goal was is first for Gills in the league.

“It was on his weaker foot and he showed great calmness and composure,” said the Gills boss.

“It was a very good finish but it was nothing less than we deserved.”