Danny Cowley has defended his late-game substitutions after a stoppage-time equaliser saw Colchester United held to a 1-1 draw by Crewe Alexandra. The head coach removed Jay Williams, Kylian Kouassi and Oscar Thorn while leading 1-0, before bringing on defenders Kane Vincent-Young and Frankie Terry in the closing minutes.
Cowley explained the decisions were based on fitness and tactical needs. He said Williams, Kouassi and Moses Sesay are still building up to full match sharpness after disrupted pre-season preparations. The manager described all three as good players who can help the team.
"as a football manager you win games and you get praised, you draw games or lose games and you’ll get criticised," Cowley said. "That comes with the territory and that is fine."
The late changes came after Harry Anderson had given Colchester the lead in the 27th minute, assisted by Oscar Thorn. The result leaves the U's 13th in the League Two table with eight points from six matches.
The draw prevented a third consecutive home victory for Cowley's side. Their recent form reads two wins, one draw and two defeats from the last five outings. Top scorer Jack Payne, who has 13 goals this season, was one of the players substituted late on.
Colchester now turn their attention to a home match against fourth-placed Cheltenham Town this Saturday. The squad's injury and fitness status is available on the club's injuries page. Cowley will be hoping for a reaction as his team looks to climb the table from their current mid-table position.
This story first appeared at Colchester Gazette
Danny Cowley criticised the officials after Colchester United's 1-1 draw with Cheltenham Town on September 19. The head coach felt a foul on Sean Raggett led to the penalty for Cheltenham's equaliser and disputed Jaden Williams's late red card. Cowley said, "people just need to look at that sending off." Moses Sesay scored the U's goal, assisted by Ellis Iandolo. The result leaves Colchester 15th in League Two with nine points from seven games.
