Colchester United caretaker manager, Wayne Brown, insisted that “a soft” penalty decision was the turning point of today’s 3-1 defeat at Rochdale.
Chris Porter gave the U’s a 21st minute lead at Spotland, before former U’s old boy Ian Henderson equalised from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.
That spot kick was awarded for Matt Briggs hauling down Peter Vincenti in the box, although it appeared to be a harsh decision.
Goals from Donal McDermott and Oliver Lancashire wrapped up a comfortable home win for Dale, at the same time inflicting a seventh league defeat on the bounce for the U’s, who are now rock bottom of League One.
“It was positive for the first 25 minutes. We took the lead and it was a very disciplined performance from the lads during that period,” explained Brown.
“We kept our shape well, and restricted Rochdale to the long ball. They didn’t create many chances in those first 25 minutes.
“But then came the penalty. That was a very poor decision.
“I thought it was a very soft penalty, and it changed the game.
“The lads had got a little bit of belief, after taking the lead, but that penalty was a real kick in the teeth.
“It affected us, and Rochdale then scored again straight afterwards. Mentally, that was poor.
“Goals change games, and the lads’ heads went down when we went 3-1 down,” added Brown, who was presiding over his third and almost certainly last match as caretaker manager.
Kevin Keen, the red-hot favourite to be appointed the new manager at the start of next week, was in the main-stand watching his potential future team, alongside chairman Robbie Cowling, this afternoon.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here