McGreal hails ‘terrific’ Colchester

Colchester manager John McGreal hailed his side’s “terrific performance” after their 4-0 rout of Northampton on Saturday.

United only led by one at the break thanks to Frank Nouble’s close-range finish during a tight first half, but they went through the gears in the second period with Abobaker Eisa, Kane Vincent-Young and Sammie Szmodics all scoring for just their second win in eight games.

“It was a terrific performance,” said McGreal. “You think of the players they’ve brought into the team – they’ve got good experience and good personnel around the pitch.

“We had to defend well before we scored with corners and crosses coming into our box and other things we’ve been working on and that was a pleasing aspect because it gave us a platform.

“The first goal was important. We always look like we’re going to score and it was a terrific ball in from another set-piece.

“The goal got us going and the boys started playing some good, counter-attacking football. The pace when we went through the thirds was a joy to watch from a young, dynamic footballing team. I was really proud of them.

“We needed the save off Rene Gilmartin before our second goal. It was a brilliant save and he’s done that for us on a number of occasions and those are the fine margins.

“He made the save and then we built on it. We grew and in the next minute we’re counter-attacking for the second goal.”

Northampton boss Keith Curle also mentioned fine margins, saying:  “It was a difficult afternoon and a poor result, but arguably you could say they had 10 chances, we had nine and yet they’ve scored four goals and we haven’t scored any.

“The chances we had and the timings of those chances were key. They’re not half chances, they’re good chances and if you take them, it alters the course of the game.

“If you miss them, they’re a good team and will take advantage. They’ve been building for a couple of years and have put a good squad together – you can tell they will be up there at the end of the season.

“I think the chances we had today are better than any chances we’ve had recently. We had clear shots at goal and one-on-one opportunities but there’s an anxiety around the club and around the changing room because we need results.

“We need to score goals and we need to be better at defending our goal in terms of not allowing other teams to create chances against us.

“Sometimes it’s through a desire to get forward at the wrong times and not having a base to work from. If we score goals at the times we have chances, it puts a completely different spin on the game.”