COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams insists that he would prefer to win handsomely 4-2 than sneak a 1-0 victory, following his side's demolition of basement dwellers QPR on Wednesday night.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams insists that he would prefer to win handsomely 4-2 than sneak a 1-0 victory, following his side's demolition of basement dwellers QPR on Wednesday night.

Most managers would probably opt for the clean-sheet, as a more encouraging sign for the future, but Williams was delighted that his all-out attacking approach yielded a first home win of the season, thanks to a cherished 4-2 success.

However, the Welshman knows full well that it will be a very different type of game when the U's travel to in-form Stoke City tomorrow.

“Wednesday night was a big night for the club. It was a great game and a welcome first home win for us,” said Williams last night.

“I like to play attacking football, so it's true that I'd prefer to win 4-2 than 1-0, although I'd prefer 4-0 to 4-2! It was entertaining for the crowd to see so many goals.

“We were good going forward all evening, though I admit that I thought we were never going to kill off QPR, after their keeper (Lee Camp) made two good saves early in the second-half.

“We have not found scoring goals a problem this season, except against Scunthorpe (1-0 defeat) last Saturday, but we can't expect to score four goals every game.

“We need to improve defensively as a unit. Maybe we get caught out when our full-backs and wide men go forward. We need to improve our shape.

“Stoke will be a different proposition. Tony Pulis (manager) is renowned for producing strong teams, with a sound defence, as well as bringing in the biggest and strongest forwards that he can find.

The U's are unbeaten on their league travels this season, following a 3-0 victory at Preston and draws at Sheffield United, Southampton and Blackpool.

They were without the injured pair of Teddy Sheringham (hamstring problem) and Kevin Watson (calf injury) against QPR, and that looks like being the case again against Stoke.

Left-winger Kevin McLeod missed out on Wednesday night due to a bout of flu, and he too could miss tomorrow's trip to the Potteries.

Stoke held high-flying West Brom to a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns on Wednesday evening. The Potters have only suffered one defeat all season, at Southampton (3-2), and are level on points with sixth-placed Bristol City.