COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert has not given up hope of reaching the play-offs, despite today's Essex derby defeat to Southend.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert has not given up hope of reaching the play-offs, despite today's Essex derby defeat to Southend.

The U's had no answer to Franck Moussa's 14th minute breakaway goal, although they did squander a number of excellent first-half chances.

And they then struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities after the break, despite being urged on by a record crowd for a U's game at the new Community Stadium. The Shrimpers were good value for this 1-0 win.

Lambert insisted: “There were very few chances, as is normal with local derbies. We fell asleep with their goal, and didn't take any of ours.

“It's a concern that we are not scoring many goals, but we are not going to feel sorry for ourselves.

“I'm not going to concede that the play-offs are beyond us. We will keep going for it until it is mathematically impossible.

“I know the fans will be hurting. I know how they feel. But we must pick ourselves up and go again,” added Lambert.

Southend boss Steve Tilson said: “It was always going to be a fiery game, and there weren't many chances at either end. Fortunately, we took ours well.

“That's our first away win in 13 games, and I'm delighted with it. The most important thing for us is that we stay in this division for another season, especially as the clubs near the bottom keep winning.

“We're now only two points behind Colchester. For us to get into the play-offs, we would need to go on a run of winning seven or so matches.

“The pitch was difficult to play on, because it was very bobbly. But it was a great atmosphere today,” added Tilson.