Colchester manager Ben Garner criticised his players’ mentality and the performance of the officials after his side let a lead slip to lose 2-1 at Newport, with midfielder Arthur Read sent off late on.
Garner was convinced that Samson Tovide, who put the visitors ahead in the 34th minute with a tap in from Jayden Fevrier’s cross, should have had a second in first-half stoppage time when his shot was scrambled clear by home goalkeeper Nick Townsend.
“We were fantastic on Saturday and we were nowhere near those levels tonight,” said Garner, whose side beat League Two leaders Notts County 5-4 at the weekend.
“We should still take something from the game, but the mentality of some of the players has to improve – it can’t be pick this game and don’t turn up for the next one.”
County levelled two minutes before the break when Will Evans diverted in a wayward shot from midfielder Scot Bennett for his ninth goal of the season.
And the Exiles’ winner arrived in the 63rd minute when a defensive clearance hit onrushing striker Omar Bogle and cannoned into the bottom corner.
Tovide headed wide from close range late on before Read was sent off for an off-the-ball clash with substitute Kiban Rai.
Garner added: “We had six gilt-edged chances to score and we gave away two really poor goals. It’s a focus and mentality thing – the ability is there.
“I’m also frustrated with the performance of the officials.
“We got the ball a yard over the line in the first half. It looked in at the time and we’ve seen it back; it’s well in. It’s not a difficult decision.”
Garner had no issue with the sending off, though he blamed referee Lewis Smith for missing fouls on his player before the flashpoint.
“It’s a red card,” he admitted. “It’s a lack of discipline and he’s let his team down. He’s been fouled three times and the ref misses all three, but you can’t react. He’s a young player and he’ll learn.
“If the officials did their job probably, we wouldn’t get frustrated.”
Assistant manager Joe Dunne was pleased that County bounced back from successive defeats to seal a first victory since August 26.
“It’s a good win for us,” said Dunne. “We thought we should have got something from Salford (on Saturday), so we’re delighted with the three points.
“After the disappointment from Saturday, we spoke about what we can bring and all we asked for was the same with being a bit more clinical.
“It’s a great credit to everybody and we have won again at Rodney Parade. We should be really proud of digging in.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
