COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams admitted that Saturday's display against Scunthorpe was his team's poorest of the season.“That's the most disappointed that we've been this year,” confirmed Welshman Williams, who did not enjoy a great day - Wales were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup by Fiji while the U's were losing to Iron.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams admitted that Saturday's display against Scunthorpe was his team's poorest of the season.

“That's the most disappointed that we've been this year,” confirmed Welshman Williams, who did not enjoy a great day - Wales were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup by Fiji while the U's were losing to Iron.

“We were the top scorers in the league, but we didn't look like scoring today. There was a lack of quality in the final third of the pitch. We got into some good positions but too many shots went wide and too many crosses when behind the goal.

“Our home form was excellent last season, but you must remember that we had some big changes in personnel over the summer. Different players bring different things to the table. We've been doing better away from home, but this season teams are no longer just coming to Layer Road expecting to roll us over.

“Instead, they have a game-plan to stop us playing, and it worked for Scunthorpe. They showed good battling qualities, and the most disappointing factor for me was that we were not positive enough on the ball in the second-half. There were too many sideways passes.

“For the first time this season, I thought we showed a lack of self-belief,” added Williams.

The U's boss did feel that his side were robbed of a penalty when Mark Yeates appeared to be man-handled to the ground by Iron left-back Kelly Youga in the first-half,

Williams said: “Here we are again talking about a refereeing decision. It has happened a few times to us this season. Perhaps because I don't give them much stick, they think they can get away with it?

“I'm very disappointed that he didn't give us that penalty. I felt it was a clear penalty, and I don't need their defender (Youga) to tell me that!

“The referee invited me into his room after the match to have a chat, but I didn't see the point,” concluded Williams.

Scunthorpe match-winner Paul Hayes revealed that the newly-promoted Iron have taken inspiration from Colchester's example of last year.

Hayes said: “Like Colchester, we are the underdogs for every match this season.

“But we have a great team spirit, and we are fighting every inch of the way to win.

“We didn't play our best football in this game, but we ground out a result. Our only real ambition is to finish 21st in the table to avoid relegation.

“We are trying to do what Colchester did last season. They were fantastic in their first year in the Championship, and we have taken inspiration from them,” added Hayes.