COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert admitted that his side “never got going” as they bowed out of the FA Cup at the hands of visiting Leyton Orient.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert admitted that his side “never got going” as they bowed out of the FA Cup at the hands of visiting Leyton Orient.

The U's were knocked out by Jason Demetriou's 80th minute shot as the U's fully deserved their 1-0 win.

Lambert confessed: “We didn't have the quality that we have shown in the other matches since I've been here.

“But we're not going to beat ourselves up about it. The lads have been terrific since I've been here and you can't play like they've been playing every week.

“There was plenty of effort, but just not the same quality. That's the first time I have had to say that as Colchester manager.

“It was still looking like a 0-0. There weren't many chances created, although Scott (Vernon) had a good chance to score just before they got the winner.

“I gave Mark Cousins a start in goal because I wanted to see what he could do. And he did terrific. He made some good saves. I'm very pleased with him.

“There weren't many chances for either side and in the end we got done. But we'll be going for it again from Monday,” added Lambert.

Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling said: “I thought it was a good solid display. We were dogged in the first, without really getting going.

“But in the second half I thought there was only one side that was going to win it, and that was us.

“As so often happens with the FA Cup, it all turned on one minute. They had a good chance (Scott Vernon) from which they should have scored, and we then went down the other end and scored the winner.”