Albion boss Micky Adams insisted his side did not deserve a sixth defeat in their last seven League One fixtures.
The Seagulls led at home to Colchester through a Nicky Forster header.
Adam Hinshelwood's own goal, under no pressure, levelled matters before Scott Vernon hit Colchester's late winner.
Adams said: "It's hard to swallow. I don't think the effort of the players deserved a defeat.
"I thought in the first half we had the better chances, we scored a very good goal and limited Colchester to very few chances.
"We played some decent stuff as well.
"It was a real sickener to go in at half-time at 1-1 but that was a bizarre an own goal as you will ever see, I think.
"You can't legislate for that as a manager or coach.
"As soon as it left his foot I thought 'that's going in'. We're disappointed."
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