COLCHESTER United captain Magnus Okuonghae says there was no need for teacups to be thrown around the home dressing room following a poor first half display against Walsall.

Stuart Watson

Professional approach saw

us through, says skipper

COLCHESTER United captain Magnus Okuonghae says there was no need for teacups to be thrown around the home dressing room following a poor first half display against Walsall.

Boothroyd kept his side in for just a couple of minutes at half-time before sending them back out onto the pitch for a second warm-up and an on-pitch team talk from assistants John Ward and Joe Dunne.

Whatever was said seemed to work as the U's dominated the second period and deservedly claimed all three points courtesy of Kevin Lisbie's penalty.

“We didn't start well - that happens sometimes,” said Okuonghae. “You're not going to start great in every game, we didn't today, but the most important thing was that we came away with the result.”

Asked for an insight into what was said at half-time, the Nigerian added: “He (Boothroyd) didn't have to say much. As professional footballers you know when you're not playing well and we knew it wasn't a good first half.

“When that happens you want to get out for the second half as quickly as possible and put things right.

“When we were all huddled together with John Ward and Joe Dunne we just all tried to get each other going and thankfully we managed to do that.”

With Kem Izzet missing out through illness, 18-year-old Josh Payne - who arrived from West Ham on a one-month loan just two days previous - was thrown straight in for his debut.

The teenager was fouled for the winning penalty in a solid display before fatigue led to his substitution in the 70th minute.

“It was hard work,” admitted Payne. “I was told how physical it would be and it certainly was, especially in the middle where you had to keep the ball moving.

“I was going nowhere when I won the penalty, but I knew he was coming and thankfully he's been tempted into a pointless challenge.”

Goalscorer Kevin Lisbie, who once again played on the right wing, revealed after the game that he had picked up a knock on his thigh in the first half but battled through the pain.

He said: "It's great to get the goals because I had gone a few games without scoring, but I've said to the manager that as long as we are winning then I'm quite happy playing there."