COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams felt that his side never recovered from conceding a soft goal early in the second-half, as they eventually slid to a dismal 2-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams felt that his side never recovered from conceding a soft goal early in the second-half, as they eventually slid to a dismal 2-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra.

The U's ended up a well-beaten team, and also had star striker Steven Gillespie sent off for violent conduct in the 87th minute. Gillespie therefore faces a likely three-match suspension. Earlier, a Michael O'Connor free-kick and a header from substitute Tom Pope had wrapped up the points for Crewe.

“Our game slowly fell away, and the first goal really shook us,” admitted Williams.

“You need the self-belief to keep going after conceding a goal. I had no fault with the effort of the players, but there wasn't enough thinking behind that effort.

“You can't stop some sublime skill for some goals, but we didn't make Crewe work hard enough for their two.

“We should have defended the free-kick better for the first goal. I'm not blaming Dean Gerken and I'm not criticising individuals, but rather the team as a whole.

“Now is not the time to criticise, in the heat of the moment. It's better to analyse the game in the cold light of day.

“Steven (Gillespie) told me that he stretched for the ball and won it, before he rocked into the lad's ankle. It was through the ball and not through kicking him. The referee made his decision.

“Steven said that he won the ball. Perhaps it was a forward's tackle, but it looks like costing him. I will look at the video before deciding whether to appeal against the sending off,” added Williams.