Michael Duff impressed by second-half improvement as Cheltenham’s run goes on

Cheltenham manager Michael Duff hailed a “solid, organised and disciplined” performance after watching his side pull off a 2-0 victory at promotion rivals Colchester.

Alfie May and Chris Hussey struck to send the Robins within a point of the automatic promotion places, while Colchester slipped out of the top seven.

Duff’s side have won five games in a row but he thinks there is still room for improvement from his side.

“I was really disappointed with our performance in the first half,” said Duff.

“We didn’t do anything we normally do, in the first 35 minutes.

“But there’s a resilience within the group and, in the second half, we were top drawer. We looked organised and solid.

“(Goalkeeper) Owen (Evans) didn’t have a save to make, even though they had a lot of the ball.

“We banked in and did what we do well, while also looking a threat.

“We did a few things differently (in the build-up to the game), which I won’t talk about.

“It’s not rocket science – we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel – but the players took it on board and delivered a good, solid away performance against a decent side.

“Colchester were 3-0 up at half-time against Plymouth, the other week. That shows how strong they are.”

Duff reflected on a couple of flashpoint decisions involving referee Sam Purkiss.

He felt his side should have had a penalty for a foul by Omar Sowunmi on Ben Tozer.

“I’m not sure why he didn’t give it but I know (Colchester boss) John (McGreal) has grievances about the offside (May’s goal),” he said.

“I’ve not seen it yet, although it was obviously tight one way or the other.

“Referee’s don’t help themselves when they don’t give stonewall penalties.

“But I’m more interested in what we did well and, after half an hour, it was a really solid, organised and disciplined performance.”

Colchester’s day got worse in stoppage time when Omar Sowunmi was shown a second yellow for handball.

“It was a frustrating afternoon,” said McGreal.

“The first half was tight. Ben (Stevenson) did well to dance past a couple of defenders and their keeper made a good save.

“Their goal was a bit of a sucker-punch, especially as their player was half a yard offside.

“We came in at half-time, dealt with it and dusted ourselves down and it continued to be a tight game. There wasn’t much at either end.

“Throughout the game, we got into good areas but then everything slowed down in the final third.

“Even when we had good phases, I thought we were a little bit safe and slow in terms of our approach play.

“The players were taking extra touches rather than moving the ball a bit quicker.

“It was a top-of-the-table clash and neither side wanted to give anything away.

“We started OK and got ourselves into good, positive positions. But we weren’t overly good at the money end of the pitch.

“We got into good areas but didn’t create many chances.

“Cheltenham had something to hold on to but, at times, we played into their hands.

“We needed to use the width a bit more and it’s about demanding the ball.

“We need our wide players in possession of the ball.

“They’re match-winners with big reputations throughout the league, because of what they’ve been doing.”