COLCHESTER United's man-of-the-match, Kem Izzet, believed that the U's answered a lot of their critics with a gutsy display at league leaders Watford on Saturday.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's man-of-the-match, Kem Izzet, believed that the U's answered a lot of their critics with a gutsy display at league leaders Watford on Saturday.

Several U's fans booed the team during last week's 1-1 home draw against Plymouth, even though the Essex club were only denied victory by an 87th-minute equaliser.

It was almost impossible to be critical of United at Vicarage Road. They matched the Hornets, blow for blow, and were good value for their point.

“A few questions have been asked of us of late. Our fans were starting to ask questions, but hopefully we have answered them today,” insisted Izzet.

“It was sad to hear the boos last week. There weren't many people involved, but we could hear them. We set some very high standards last season, and it was always going to be difficult to match them this year.

“I think we deserved the point. It was a good performance by everyone, from one to 11. We could have won it, although Deano [Gerken] made some good saves and of course saved a penalty.

“Watford put us under some heavy pressure for large periods of the game, but then we expected that. It's a big boost for us, going into the two-week break.

“It's the first time this season that we have gone into an enforced break on a positive note,” added Izzet. The two previous breaks for internationals were preceded by defeats at Stoke and by Burnley.

Manager Geraint Williams, like midfielder Izzet, was quick to comment on the “negativity” that had been surrounding the club of late, in terms of some murmurings of discontent among a few fans.

“I have felt that a bit of negativity outside the club was beginning to creep in, but we have always remained very positive,” explained Williams.

“To come back from conceding a goal in the first minute at the league leaders says a lot for the character of the team. Many sides would have gone under today, but not us. They are a very honest bunch of lads.

“Everyone at the club has to work hard to put ourselves in with a chance of winning games, and it could have gone either way. We withstood the pressure and had chances ourselves.

“All the individuals did the best that they could. It was a good team performance, and I'm very proud of my players.

“Dean [Gerken] has always been a good keeper, and I'm delighted that he saved a penalty today. We were conceding a lot of goals at the start of the season, and it was affecting his confidence. But he has showed what a good keeper he is.

“This division is very tight. Most games are being decided on one bit of skill or a slice of luck, or a referring decision,” concluded Williams.