BOSS GARNER FEELS THE PAIN
BEN Garner was left bitterly frustrated as a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Emyr Huws earned nineman Colchester an unlikely draw and denied his Swindon side victory.
Huws converted Owura Edwards’ corner at the far post in the 92nd-minute to dramatically level for the U’s after Harry McKirdy’s goal had looked set to win it for the visitors.
After a goalless first half, the Robins went ahead in the 68th minute when McKirdy netted from close-range following Ellis Iandolo’s superb cross.
Colchester were reduced to ten men with 18 minutes left when goalkeeper Shamal George was dismissed for violent conduct following an off-the-ball incident with Josh Davison.
Then skipper Luke Chambers was sent off in the 88th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity after fouling substitute Jayden Mitchell-Lawson on the edge of the area.
Garner said: “It was very, very frustrating.
“We didn’t defend a set piece at the end when it was 11 v 9 and that cost us points. We should have been out of sight.
“I think the fact that they were down to nine caused a bit of confusion. We changed markers and we ended up with an extra zonal player in there and they’ve snuck in and scored.
“That’s on us and it shouldn’t have happened.”
Huws rescued a point for the hosts after McKirdy’s goal had looked set to claim the three points. McKirdy had drilled wide for the visitors early on while Colchester’s
Luke Hannant’s header was brilliantly saved by Swindon keeper Jojo Wollacott.
Just before half-time, George denied Josh Davison with a smart save after Jonny Williams had nodded the ball into his path.
George thwarted McKirdy again early in the second half but Swindon went ahead in the 68th minute when McKirdy converted Iandolo’s superb cross from close range.
“We should have had more goals and we were completely dominant,” added Garner.
“There were three penalties in the game and we didn’t get any of them. That seals the game straight away but we should have put it out of sight before that.”
Colchester interim assistant manager Joe Dunne said: “It was an amazing end to a really difficult game.
“We’re just pleased that the ending was a bit better than the start of the second half and it was great to send everyone home knowing that we kept going until the very end, which is what we did.
The bravery from the gaffer (Wayne Brown) was good, because sometimes you could say we’ll see out the game with nine men 1-0.
“But we changed the shape to 3-3-3 and were able to force the issue.”