THERE were no excuses from Colchester United boss Geraint Williams on Saturday. He described his side's performance as the poorest for a “long, long time,” and also pledged to bring in some new players when the transfer window reopens tomorrow.

By Carl Marston

THERE were no excuses from Colchester United boss Geraint Williams on Saturday.

He described his side's performance as the poorest for a “long, long time,” and also pledged to bring in some new players when the transfer window reopens tomorrow.

“The 2-0 scoreline does not tell the whole story about how bad we were,” blasted Williams.

“That's as bad as we have been this season, and in fact for a long, long time. They were two bad goals to concede. We can't seem to stop the same, similar goals from going in, despite working hard in training.

“I thought some of the players looked as though the pressure of our league position got to them. If it wasn't for Dean Gerken then the scoreline would have been embarrassing in the first-half.

“We didn't create anything in the second-half, but the game was gone by then. We were simply not at the races.

“There was an edginess around the ground that affected the players. They're short of confidence, and all the little comments that they heard, they take to heart,” added Williams.

Speaking about his own precarious position, as manager of the bottom club, Williams said: “I've been at the club for nine years, and it's been mostly a successful time.

“All managers are under pressure. They hate losing, and chairmen then get under pressure to change things. One minute you can be the best thing since sliced bread, the next you can't win a game.

“My position will take care of itself. Worrying about it won't make the situation any better.

“We are always working to bring new players in, but our league position does not help to attract players. Some look at our position, and decide that they don't want to come.

“Enticing the right players to this club is not easy, particularly at this time,” added Williams, who has already had a bid for Southend centre-half Adam Barrett turned down by the Shrimpers.

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson said: “There are always some defining moments in a game.

“I thought Paul Rachubka's save from Mark Yeates's free-kick was crucial, when we were just one-up.

“We knew the damage he could do from free-kicks, having scored a couple against us at our place.

“It was important to get the wall set up right.

“Scott (Vernon) has been on the bench a lot, but I decided to start with him because he was feeling fresh and was desperate to play.

“He took his goals well,” added Grayson, whose Blackpool team are now eight points clear of the U's.