Willams rues five-minute spell

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's leaky defence cost them dear again as league leaders Watford rallied from two-down to snatch the points at Layer Road.

Early goals from Clive Platt and Matthew Connolly, inside the opening half-hour, were cancelled out by two goals in quick succession from Marlon King and Joe-Joe O'Toole just before half-time.

Hungarian goal-poacher Tamas Priskin then headed home a 64th minute winner to condemn the U's to a fourth home defeat of the campaign.

Manager Geraint Williams was delighted with his side's stunning start, but ultimately disappointed with their failure to cling on to their advantage.

“We started very brightly, and got ourselves two-up. We knew that Watford would come back at us, and we needed to withstand that, but we weren't able to,” admitted Williams.

“It was disappointing to concede one goal, and then concede another almost straight away. That five-minute spell turned the game.

“Having scored two good goals against the league leaders, we wanted to go on and win the game. But Watford are on top for a reason. They post a physical test, and we didn't stand up to that on one or two occasions, which got us punished.

“We remained positive in the second-half, but we couldn't quite do it on the night. We've been creating chances all season, but we are conceding too many goals.

“However, we will go to Cardiff with confidence on Saturday, on the back of a good win at Sheffield Wednesday and a good performance tonight,” added Williams.

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd said: “Colchester are a very good side and they are difficult to beat. We need to tighten up the back.

“People were saying that we were going great guns and were going to romp this division, but I never thought that. There are too many good teams.”