COLCHESTER United midfielder Kem Izzet admitted that Saturday's 3-3 draw at Roots Hall “felt like a defeat” following Southend's last-gasp equaliser.Izzet epitomised the spirit shown by the plucky visitors, who had bounced back from leaking two early goals to lead 3-2 until the last kick of the game.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United midfielder Kem Izzet admitted that Saturday's 3-3 draw at Roots Hall “felt like a defeat” following Southend's last-gasp equaliser.

Izzet epitomised the spirit shown by the plucky visitors, who had bounced back from leaking two early goals to lead 3-2 until the last kick of the game.

“I thought we did more than enough to win this game. That's why it feels more like a defeat than a draw,” confessed Izzet.

“The first two goals were a shambles, but after that I thought we defended very well. Dean Gerken didn't have a shot to save and we should have held out to win.

“Even though we were 2-0 down early on, there was only going to be one winner. We completely dominated the second half.

“Mark Yeates got us the equaliser. With a player like that in your side, you're always likely to score goals. He was given a freer role, and I thought he was outstanding.

“But others in the side also did the ugly work,” added Izzet.

Ex-Charlton trainee Izzet, who is now the U's longest- serving player following Karl Duguid's summer move to Plymouth, was also outstanding in an impressive team display.

The 28-year-old was a bundle of energy throughout a thrilling Essex derby, although his afternoon was tarnished by a bad miss just before half-time.

“I should have scored with that one,” insisted Izzet, with reference to his close-range header that flew wide after Yeates had hit the bar.

“I'm getting forward more now, but I shouldn't have missed. That would have made the final result 4-3. Now is the first time that Dean Hammond and I have been playing together (in central midfield). We didn't get that chance before the new manager came in.

“Perhaps a few weeks ago this is a game we would have lost, having trailed early on. But it is very encouraging for the future. If we continue to play like that, then we will win more games than we lose,” concluded Izzet.

The U's return to action tomorrow evening, with a Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern section quarter-final tie at Bournemouth.