Kevin is Keen to see more from U’s
KEVIN Keen believes his team were well worth their point as Colchester climbed off the foot of League One thanks to ex-Oldham man Chris Porter’s late goal.
In his third match in charge of the U’s – who headed into this clash of relegation-threatened sides on a run of nine straight league losses – Keen saw his side claim a draw which sends Crewe to the foot of the division.
Porter struck to draw level in the 81st minute as home goalkeeper David Cornell flailed and failed to catch a corner from influential half-time substitute Owen Garvan, the striker directing the ball home from close range.
Colchester almost netted a winner soon after that, when fellow sub Darren Ambrose rattled the bar with a drive from the edge of the penalty area.
“It was the first time in three games I have been disappointed with our first half,” said a delighted Keen, whose side fell behind in the early stages to a Rhys Murphy goal in a scrappy clash.
“But we made a change and there was a lot more industry after that. There were some good bits of football, on a day when good football was hard to play because of the pitch and the pressure.
“The draw was about right and we had a couple of chances and also hit the bar, so we definitely deserved it.
“We hardly created chances before half-time but there was a lot more quality in the second half and we were certainly the better team.
“I’m really pleased, not just with a point away from home, but also that we have moved up a place in the table.”
Murphy struck to put the home side in front after five minutes by getting on the end of a superbly worked free-kick routine.
It was his 12th goal in his last 19 outings, including a loan spell at Crawley, as he latched on to a Danny Philliskirk pass to slot beyond Elliott Parish.
Oldham failed to capitalise on that lead, though, and as the game went on they suffered from the latest in a string of individual errors which leave manager David Dunn with a record of only two wins in 16 league games in charge – none of which have come at home.
“I am struggling to find words and any kind of positives,” said a frustrated Dunn.
“We were so close and in the 81st minute it is another blunder. It is like watching a circus at times, isn’t it? Everyone thinks it so I am going to say it.Why shouldn’t I?
“I feel I am getting let down. In preparation there is nothing we can do to stop that. It has to come from within and there is a responsibility as a footballer to go out there and do your jobs properly.”