Colchester United attacker Sanchez Watt admitted that the U’s under-performed during the first half at Crawley, which ultimately cost them the game with a 1-0 defeat.

But the 22-year-old still took great encouragement from the way his team hit back after the break, having been outplayed in the first half.

“It’s a difficult defeat to take,” insisted Watt.

“I think we started off very sloppy, and obviously the gaffer got into us at half-time.

“It wasn’t really about tactics. It was about wanting to graft more, and the gaffer let us know that in the half-time talk.

“We then went out there and were just unlucky with me hitting the bar with a header, and Dom (Vose) coming on and hitting a post.

“Clinton (Morrison) also had a chance that was blocked.

“We finished on a high, even though we lost.

“There’s nothing we can do about now, so we are just thinking about our next game.”

Mike Jones netted the winner for Crawley, in the 41st minute.

The U’s have a crucial home against fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town tomorrow evening.

See today’s East Anglian Daily Times for a full match report, pictures and statistics, plus reaction from both Sanchez Watt and manager Joe Dunne.