COLCHESTER United boss, Geraint Williams, refused to concede that his team were relegation certainties after last night's latest defeat.Williams recognises that the odds are stacked heavily against his team pulling off a Houdini act during the final few weeks of the season.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss, Geraint Williams, refused to concede that his team were relegation certainties after last night's latest defeat.

Williams recognises that the odds are stacked heavily against his team pulling off a Houdini act during the final few weeks of the season. But the Welshman insists that pride as well as points are at stake during the remaining nine games.

“We're not down at the moment, but it's going to be a heck of a fight to stay up,” insisted Williams.

“We're going to have to do something of West Ham proportions to stay up, but the lads are staying positive. I couldn't have asked any more of them, in terms of effort, and I think that the fans appreciate this.

“We have to take this latest defeat on the chin. The players walked off with their heads up, and that's the way it will stay.

“We have 27 points and an awful lot of pride to play for. There is now a massive gap (nine points adrift of safety), but we will continue to give 100% until the end of the season.

“Kevin (Lisbie) is on fire at the moment, and he gave us a good start. But we then conceded from a set piece, and bad decisions cost us with their winning goal. That has been our Achilles heel all season,” added Williams.

U's midfielder Dean Hammond impressed on his third start in a U's shirt, and he was also staying upbeat despite this fifth defeat on the bounce.

“It's not for want of trying. I thought we were the better team. Sheffield Wednesday were not as good as us, but once again things have not fallen for us. That happens when you are at the bottom.”