COLCHESTER United manager Aidy Boothroyd was left bitterly disappointed with his side's inability to beat a Tranmere Rovers side that had previously gone six league games without a point.

Stuart Watson

COLCHESTER United manager Aidy Boothroyd was left bitterly disappointed with his side's inability to beat a Tranmere Rovers side that had previously gone six league games without a point.

“We have enough in our squad to come here and get a result and we didn't,” said the U's boss. “We are better than what we showed today.

“It was a little bit too open. There was lots of competitive spirit, but we were a little bit wayward, like a flailing boxer that throws their punches rather than picking their moments.

“We didn't stick to the game plan. They got on the ball far too often and tried to play pretty little triangles and we didn't stop them.

“Their goal was coming. I wrote down in my notes at the time 'we deserve it'. As a positive we responded well, but we pride ourselves on clean sheets and we didn't get one.

“I can make excuses about the referee not giving us anything all game, but that would just be an excuse. We are in charge of our own destiny and I have to accept that Tranmere deserved what they got.”

He added: “I thought we were a little bit disjointed, but we're going to mistakes and I accept that.

“I've only been here a month and the players are still getting used to me and I'm still getting used to them. I've got to make sure they get all the details I want into the micro-chips in their heads.

“It's not where we are now that counts, but at the end of the season.

“I'm disappointed to be honest. We're not quite there yet, but that's alright. We are work in progress.”