It has been frustrating

Last updated : 11 February 2008 By Tony Scholes
Williams though, despite being pleased with a point away from home, admitted that he was disappointed that they hadn't returned to Essex with all three points. He said: "I thought, in the first half, we deserved to be in font and unfortunately we made one individual mistake and got punished for it, as we seem to be doing these days.

"It was an individual error but I thought the way Chris Coyne reacted to it was magnificent and he's a leader; he didn't let it affect him. The lads were all in there afterwards saying 'get your head up, it's all okay. The team spirit, where they are all delighted to get something out of it was fantastic."

Williams added: "Since Charlton away, which was January the first, our performances have been excellent. Even against Barnsley, where we were beaten 1-0, they only had one shot on target on the night. Now it is Preston. We're looking forward to it; we know it's going to be a big game. Hopefully it'll be a big crowd with a great atmosphere."

Frustrating was the word Owen Coyle used to describe it all as the Clarets were held after taking the lead but gave credit to the fighting qualities of Colchester. "I told the players beforehand that this would be a tough game," he said.

"Colchester don't want to give up their Championship status and we weren't allowed to get a head of steam up. Having said that, we didn't play well enough in the first half. We got in front and looked comfortable, but we never pushed on when we were looking to build on it. I thought the second half was better, but it has been frustrating."

The manager also admitted that he'd been faced with one of his toughest decisions ever ahead of the game, and that was leaving Ade Akinbiyi out of the starting line up. "I have made some tough decisions in my managerial career, but that was right up there with them," he admitted.

"Ade has been fantastic for us and we didn't make that decision lightly. We just thought that Andrew Cole could offer us something and he did that by showing exactly what he is all about. Ade has been unfortunate, but he came on and played his part though and I think it was a stone wall penalty on him at the end of the game.

"I had a chat with the referee at the end and I asked him about it. I think they were clear in their minds that the boy was holding Ade's jersey. He brought the play back for their free kick for the equaliser, so if it is a penalty, then give a penalty."