IPSWICH Town technical skills coach Steve Foley admitted today that Colchester United deserved to win last night's derby at Layer Road.The 53-year-old, who played, coached and briefly managed the U's, said: “Overall they deserved the three points.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town technical skills coach Steve Foley admitted today that Colchester United deserved to win last night's derby at Layer Road.

The 53-year-old, who played, coached and briefly managed the U's, said: “Overall they deserved the three points.

“We had plenty of possession but did not make the most of it. We knew that we still have a long way to go, and this game proved it.

“We have set ourselves standards and we fell below them last night.

“It took us 45 minutes to get into our stride with Simon Walton and Sylvain Legwinski taking time to adjust after their injuries.”

Former Ipswich defender Wayne Brown sees Ipswich doing well this season.

But he sees no reason why his Colchester side should not do better.

Brown said: “On the field we can match Ipswich. Off the field they have facilities second to none that deserve Premiership football.

“Ipswich were able to bring in Premiership players on loan and make some significant signings. But our budget did not run to that this summer.

“Our plan was to make the Ipswich central defenders chase back by placing the ball into space, and we gained from that. We were under pressure in the second half, but expected that and withstood it well.”

Brown praised ex-Town player Geraint Williams, who lives in Ipswich and was appointed Colchester manager in the summer.

“We knew he was a good coach, and he is turning into a good manager,” said Brown. “He is very calm and collected and gets his message across.”