GOALSCORER Danny Haynes was the reluctant hero in the Suffolk/Essex derby match.Haynes, who also scored in the derby game against Norwich City, was feeling the pain in an ankle injury and almost pulled out of the match.

By Derek Davis

GOALSCORER Danny Haynes was the reluctant hero in the Suffolk/Essex derby match.

Haynes, who also scored in the derby game against Norwich City, was feeling the pain in an ankle injury and almost pulled out of the match.

Manager Jim Magilton took a firm line with the young striker, who wrapped up the Town win and netted his fifth goal of the season.

Magilton said: “Danny didn't want to play. I had to drag him off his sickbed. He had a bruised ankle, that was it. I asked him if it was broken or if he had damaged ligaments and he said no, so I told he was on the bench.

“So I was delighted for him. He has that burst of energy and pace that frightens defenders and when he got through no one was going to catch him.”

U's boss Geraint Williams had to get the drinks after his team capitulated against Ipswich despite taking the lead in fortuitous circumstances.

Opposing managers Magilton and Williams, better known as George, are friends that live within a goal kick from each other in Ipswich, and drink in the same local, but after a thrilling derby it was the Welshman that had to dig deep into his pocket.

Magilton ended up toasting success over Williams, whose team still harbour hopes of supping with the Premiership big boys.

It was a dramatic derby match but, despite it all, Magilton was certain their friendship would stay intact.

He said: “I'm still big friends with George. It will take a lot more than that for us to fall out, although we had our moments during the match.”

It was not the happiest of returns for Williams, although he insisted it was more about Colchester playing Ipswich on the same level at Portman Road for more than 50 years.

He said: “I had a great six years as a player and whenever I have come back I have always had a good reaction.

“One person told me I had lost weight since I was a player and that was the nicest thing said.

“It was lovely coming back to a friendly club and there were some good comments but it was about the game and not me.”

Although the U's still hover around the play-off places, their away form has cost them dear this season and Williams had no gripes about the loss at his old club, or getting the beers in.

Williams said immediately after the match: “It will be me buying the drinks. Jim doesn't get them in anyway but he will be smiling more than usual.

“Jim is a great character who loves his football and you can see how intense and passionate he is about Ipswich. He will get it right here but my only concern is getting it right at Colchester.”

Williams admitted his team's away form - the Town loss was their third away defeat in a row - was of concern.

He said: “To pick up 34 points from 36 at home is unbelievable. Of course, we would like to pick up more away from home but you take the rough with the smooth and pick up points where you can.”