COLCHESTER United boss John Ward conceded that Hartlepool United deserved their late winner against his side this afternoon after getting their tactics right.
Mick Wadsworth’s side recorded their first win in eight thanks to Antony Sweeney’s 88th minute goal, the midfielder netting after the U’s failed to deal with a long free-kick into the box.
It was no less than the hosts deserved after bombarding the Essex side’s box with balls throughout the second period.
“They went long which they’re allowed to do,” said Ward.
“They were always likely to get something off a set play and that’s what happened in the end. They were the better side in the second half and deserved to win.”
He added: “The pitch was bobbly but it was the same for both teams. They adapted better to that and we just tried to carry on playing nice passes when it wasn’t a day for nice passes.
“It was a scrappy, scruffy game which makes it even more disappointing that we’ve not got anything. They’ve won ugly a little bit.”
The U’s have now slipped to 10th place and six points off the play-offs.
– Full report and reaction in Monday’s EADT.
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