John McGreal left frustrated by Colchester’s draw with Morecambe

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

Colchester head coach John McGreal admitted it was a frustrating afternoon for his promotion-chasing side after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Morecambe.

The closest the U’s came to breaking the deadlock was with four minutes remaining when left-back Kane Vincent-Young’s fine individual effort rattled the inside of a post.

McGreal said: “It was a frustrating afternoon.

“I’ve just had a look at the stats and in the last two games, I think we’ve had close to 40 shots and scored the one goal.

“It was a little bit disappointing not to come away with the win. We’ve dominated the game and the territory and they defended well.

“We just needed that little bit of luck at the end especially with Kane (Vincent-Young) hitting the post at the end.

“I thought he was outstanding and it would have capped off what was a brilliant performance from him.

“It wasn’t to be for us but you draw strength from other results around us and we’re still sitting fourth and two points off second.

“The goals have dried up of late but we’re still getting in those areas. We’re all disappointed like the fans but we have to pick the boys up and go again.”

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley felt his side deserved a point after they defended well throughout.

The Shrimps were also not without their chances, with Rhys Oates firing wide from a good position on the half hour and also squandering a header after the interval, while Jordan Cranston went close from long range.

Bentley said: “It was a pleasing point for us and it was a fair result overall for me.

“On another day, we might have got a winner and they might have got a winner with a little bit of luck, which you need in any game.

“We’ve been disappointed with the away results against Tranmere and Lincoln.

“Colchester are another team in the top half of the table and are a very good side. They have good players all over the pitch and joint third in the league.

“They lost to Stevenage at home on Saturday so it probably wasn’t a very good time to play them but I’m proud of the boys.

“A little bit of criticism came their way after their last two away performances because we found ourselves 3-0 down before half-time against both Tranmere and Lincoln.

“I don’t think the six goals we conceded there the opposition have worked particularly hard for.”