Coldicott reacts to defeat

United's recent signing Stacy Coldicott says the side must now regroup after last night's 2-1 defeat at Cambridge, with the experienced midfielder urging the squad to commit themselves fully to achieving a result in Saturday's game at Crawley.

Speaking after the match to Keith Hall, who provided 'live' second half commentary on the match for BBC Hereford & Worcester, Coldicott gave his reaction to the defeat:

"Obviously we're all very disappointed. Although we probably haven't played as well as we could've done we still had opportunities to score quite a few goals. To get caught by a sucker-punch really, after we'd got ourselves back in the game, was disappointing."

Did you think Fola Onibuje, who caused you problems in that first half, caught you by surprise?

"Maybe a little bit, maybe a lot of it was self-inflicted. We didn't really get to grips with him, and we didn't really get our game going. Like you said, he was a bit of a handful, but second half I think we coped a lot better. We started the second period well - we got the equaliser - and we felt there was only one winner then. But they hit us with the second goal, and caught us a little bit cold. If we'd have carried on playing to our strengths most of the time we'd have gone on to win."

You managed to close them down on the left side much tighter in the second half. Mark Angel appeared able to get a lot of crosses in from the left flank in the opening forty-five minutes?

"Yes, it was a decent supply. I used to play with him at West Brom and he's got a decent left-foot on him. They looked quite dangerous at times, but like I said, we should have won a lot more of the ball than we did."

The delivery from set-pieces from Alex Jeannin and Jon Brady must have given you some encouragement though?

"Yes, both players have good technique. We had an opportunity first half when 'Brades' sent over a free-kick to the back stick, but we had no-one attacking it really, and a few chances went to waste. It was good to see the goal coming from a set-piece again."

How exactly did the second goal come about?

"I think it was a deflection. We charged down a shot and it just looped off Tony's head, and the lads just ghosted in around the back and he's stuck it through 'Maws' legs. I think some of the times you just have to say - he's taken a chance - he's had a bit of luck - it's fallen right to his feet - and he's finished it quite well."

One positive from the game was the sides determination to play right to the final whistle, and Tamika had a great chance there - right at the death.

"Yea, Tam's obviously disappointed he didn't get that on target, but we got ourselves into a good position. We didn't play well in the first half, but we dug ourselves out, and it's unfortunate to lose it like we did in the end. We've now got to re-group and commit ourselves on Saturday.

"We've got to put it right at Crawley, and hopefully we'll be able to get a positive result down there."

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