Danny Cowley buoyed by battling Colchester’s second-half show

Posted Sunday, January 14, 2024 by PA

Danny Cowley was pleased with Colchester’s second-half performance after his side battled to back to draw 1-1 with visitors Bradford in Sky Bet League Two.

Tom Hopper earned the hosts a point in the 59th minute when he controlled Tom Dallison’s pass before lashing a superb shot past Sam Walker and inside the far post.

Andy Cook had earlier given Bradford a 35th-minute lead when he lashed home a first-time shot off the far post, after Ash Taylor’s ball into the area had been helped towards him by Bobby Pointon.

Colchester boss Cowley said: “I was pleased with all of the things that require no talent – the effort, the attitude, the fight, the willingness to put the body on the line and that always gives you a foundation to go from.

“In the first half we didn’t show anywhere near enough courage in possession and this is something that we have to keep working at.

“But in the second half, we did that and we looked a much better team.

“I just asked the boys ‘which half was the most enjoyable?’ They all said the second half.

“We played against a big, strong, direct team full of experienced players who want to load the box at every opportunity with balls and players and you have to stand up.

“Belief doesn’t come overnight; confidence is a fragile commodity and you have to work really hard with the players so that they feel good and when they feel good, they play good.”

Bradford’s winless run in League Two was extended to five matches with the draw and manager Graham Alexander was frustrated they were unable to claim victory.

The Bantams were the better side in the first half, with Cook and Harry Chapman both going close before half-time.

Alexander said: “We let them off the hook.

“We’re not clinical enough in the final third, for the amount of play we have in there and the amount of pressure we create and the numbers we get in there.

“We don’t leave anyone isolated, we get in there in good numbers and we have good coverage of the pitch and the box.

“We’re not finding those final game-winning moments or game-enhancing moments.

“Because it’s 1-0, we’re giving the opposition the opportunity to change and it just takes one moment to get them back into the game.

“I thought we dominated the first 35 minutes. We had the opportunities and took one and we should score more, from that whole period.

“At half-time. we were comfortable in our performance and we just had to repeat it again and we couldn’t quite manage it.

“The opposition came out determined to try and turn the tide around.”