We threw it away.
Stand-in skipper Kem Izzet admitted Colchester United wasted a great chance to secure three valuable points against Hartlepool United.
The U’s looked like they were heading for a second successive victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, after Scott Vernon had fired them ahead just before half-time.
But crucially Colchester switched off at a corner, allowing Michael Nelson to head home Gary Liddle’s set-piece and deny Paul Lambert’s side victory.
The 1-1 draw means the U’s lie 12th in the Coca-Cola League One table – eight points off the play-off places – heading into tomorrow night’s game at Huddersfield Town. Izzet conceded Colchester blew a great opportunity to close the gap on the teams immediately above them.
He said: “I think we threw it away.
“We were told at half-time that if we could defend their set pieces and corners, we would win the game.
“But they scored from a corner and that was it.
“The gaffer has said after the game that it’s happened too many times and it’s not good enough.
“We’re aware of it and it’s something we have to improve on.
“It’s tough to mark from corners but you have to win your battle and there’s no hiding place.”
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