Connolly Disputes ‘Hangover’ Talk

Colchester United`s Matthew Connolly has dismissed suggestions that the U`s were beaten by Coventry over the weekend partly because of exertions from the previous game, a titanic struggle against rivals Ipswich.

The Essex side are now 16th in the Championship following two consecutive defeats that leaves them with the miserable stat of having taken just two wins from their last six matches.

Of the result, Connolly, who made his first start in six weeks on Saturday, said: “We`re disappointed; we need to stay focused for the whole 90.”

A late Michael Misfud goal denied the U`s a share of the points courtesy of a deflection from Connolly`s defensive partner, Pat Baldwin.

“We defended well and were good for most of the game,” admitted the youngster, on loan from Arsenal, on BBC Radio Essex.

He went on to quash claims that the lack of invention over the weekend was due in any way to Tuesday night`s derby that had gone before.

Colchester had lead for a long period in that game against their Tractor Boy rivals, before a penalty-miss by Mark Yeates inspired Town to overturn the deficit, and win by three goals to one.

“We worked very hard against Ipswich and lost, but we had to put it to the back of our mind. We came out here looking for the win, so I don`t think there was a hangover. We always give 100 per cent,” said Connolly.