Williams curses his side's bad luck

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's first ever home game in the Championship ended in a 1-0 defeat by Plymouth Argyle last night. But they will wonder how they managed to lose this game!

Manager Geraint Williams cursed his side's bad luck in front of goal on an evening when they beat Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick three times, only to hit the bar once, and be thwarted by two goal-line clearances.

In the final analysis, a long-range thunderbolt from Plymouth full debutant Luke Summerfield, in the 29th minute, proved the difference between the two teams.

The U's have therefore suffered narrow defeats in their first two games in the Championship, in what is their first ever season at this level.

They were edged out 2-1 at title favourites Birmingham City on Saturday.

But Williams is not too worried. The U's boss said: “If we were getting battered every game, then I would be very concerned. But we're not.

“I thought we totally dominated the game against Plymouth, and got ourselves in some excellent positions. We bossed possession, and we played very well.

“We didn't really work their keeper enough, though having said that, we did beat him three times!

“It's bad luck that we hit the bar, and they defended well with their two goal-line clearances. We lacked a little guile in the penalty area, but we showed plenty of spirit and there are many positives to come out of the game.

“We restricted Plymouth to far fewer chances than we did to Birmingham. We just couldn't get on the end of crosses.

“We will keep persevering, and we'll keep on learning.

“We just need to learn how to go cold in front of goal and improve our finishing.”

Richard Garcia came closest to scoring for United with a fourth minute firecracker that ricocheted off the bar. McCormick saved the follow-up header from Jamie Cureton.

The U's will be hoping to get off the mark in the Championship at home to Barnsley on Saturday.