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Humes: Penalty miss hurt us

Image: Tony Humes: Bemoaned Chris Porter's penalty miss

Colchester manager Tony Humes felt there was not much difference between the two sides despite a 2-0 defeat against Doncaster.

Enda Stevens struck the opening goal in the 39th minute and Nathan Tyson made sure of the points for Doncaster with an 83rd-minute penalty. Humes said: "I didn't think there was a lot in it. The difference was they took their first chance and we missed ours." United had a golden opportunity to snatch the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute after Reece Wabara had pushed Chris Porter in the back. Porter picked himself up to take the spot-kick but blasted wide to the dismay of his manager and the away fans. Humes said: "If that had gone in it would have been a different game altogether. "I would back Chris to score from the spot all day long - but these things happen. "I don't think it played on our minds particularly because we kept going and if we had been a bit more positive in front of goal we might have got something. "Both their goals came from mistakes and we paid the penalty, but we've got to stick together now if we are going to get out of the relegation zone. "We need people who are going to fight for the club and be disciplined and professional in their approach to the task ahead. "There are plenty of games left and it's important that we string some results together. "We shouldn't be too disappointed because Doncaster are a top team and we were a match for them for most of the game." Although Colchester battled all the way Rovers had far more pressure and possession and could have won by more goals. Skipper Andy Butler headed against the post in the third minute and Abdul Razak was also out of luck when he headed against the crossbar 15 minutes later. Doncaster finally made the breakthrough in the 40th minute of a one-sided first half when left-back Stevens hammered the ball home through a crowded penalty area after Tyson's left-wing cross had been only half-cleared. Rovers missed chances to assert their superiority before Tyson wrapped up the points in the 83rd minute when he slammed the ball home from the penalty spot after Alex Wynter had brought down Dean Furman. Doncaster manager Paul Dickov said it was important that his side returned to winning ways after back-to-back defeats. He added: "It was a massive game for us after losing two in a row and it was imperative that we got back on track. "I thought we deserved it and I was pleased because we were really patient in the build up. "Sometimes the fan , and myself included, want us to get the ball forward quicker, but we were patient in our approach and it paid off in the end. "Colchester are not an easy side to play against because they are very disciplined without the ball with two banks of four to penetrate and patience was always going to be the key. "I thought our ball retention throughout the game was fantastic and although I agree we should have more goals to show for the way we played the result was all-important. "We can go to Preston on Tuesday night with plenty of confidence after that performance and if we play the same way we'll give them a game."

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