‘There’s no dressing this up’ – McGreal after U’s defeat at Crawley

Colchester United boss, John McGreal, admitted that “you couldn’t dress this one up” after his side’s sub-standard performance in a 2-0 defeat at Crawley Town this afternoon.

Despite playing against 10 men for the last hour, due to Crawley defender Joe McNerney’s straight red card for a foul on Harry Pell, the U’s could not capitalise and were downed by a quality brace of goals from Luke Gambin, on 61 and 90 minutes.

“There was just too much accepting from my players, with balls going into the keeper’s arms and crosses going wide,” rued McGreal.

“There was not enough demanding off each other.

“We didn’t start well in the second half, and overall it’s really, really disappointing.

“You look at the pride in the shirt and the badge. I’m really exhausted by trying to get some vibrancy into my players, and some energy.

“You can’t dress this one up. The players have got to be accountable for this sort of performance, against 10 men.

“Things will have to change,” added McGreal.