COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams was angry with two decisions that cost his side dear in a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.The U's boss criticised the assistant referee for failing to give offside against James Scowcroft in the build-up to Palace's first goal, and then for ruling Kevin Lisbie to be offside when he bundled home late in the game.

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams was angry with two decisions that cost his side dear in a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

The U's boss criticised the assistant referee for failing to give offside against James Scowcroft in the build-up to Palace's first goal, and then for ruling Kevin Lisbie to be offside when he bundled home late in the game.

“For the lads to put in all that effort, it's so disappointing to have two major decisions go against you,” insisted Williams.

“No one is going to help you, where you're down where we are, so we have to make it happen.

“James Scowcroft was three to four yards offside when he put pressure on Dean Gerken. That led to a throw-in, which led to their first goal (Phil Ifil own goal).

“Then Kevin (Lisbie) was level when scoring in the second-half. The first decision was diabolical, and that second decision was just wrong, It's very frustrating.

“Two big decisions have turned the game. Palace played well, but we knew that we were going to have to defend well.

“We now have a mountain to climb to stay up. Tuesday (at home to Sheffield Wednesday) is our biggest game of the season. We have to win that,” added Williams.

Ifil's 20th minute own goal was cancelled out by Kevin Lisbie's 23rd minute equaliser, only for Ben Watson to smash home a 74th minute winner.

The U's remain deep min trouble at the foot of the Championships, especially as several of their lowly rivals won, most notably Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Coventry.