'It would have been sacrilege if we got beat today' - John Yems pleased with 'deserved' win over Colchester

Those were the thoughts of Crawley boss John Yems after his side left it late to beat struggling Colchester United this afternoon (Saturday, February 20).

James Tilley scored his first goal for the Reds in injury time to seal a 1-0 win and end a run of five games without a win. Recap the action here"I think we deserved it tonight," Yems said. "Tuesday night [defeat against Stevenage], I thought we deserved a draw.

"It would have been sacrilege if we got beat today.

"It's just nice to get the win to keep the fans happy, at least until Tuesday."

Yems gave credit to a 'tough' and 'organised' Colchester side, who are now without a win in 12 league games.

He added: "They always give you a game. If you don't stand toe-to-toe with sides, you get bashed up and it was one of them games.

"I was thinking they were going to break away and get a goal like the other night but it ran our way today and I think we thoroughly deserved it."

Yems was pleased with his side's 'much improved' performance, adding: "As I said before the game, we needed to stick together and do the same things.

"We're doing the things we've got to do. We know what they can do and what they're capable of.

"We've had concussions, Covid. Credit to everybody today, they all dug in. A few words have been said and the boys have responded.

"I keep telling everyone, don't panic, it's another three points away from relegation."

Key defenders Tom Dallison and Tony Craig both suffered injuries this afternoon and Yems was unable to say how long they would be out of action, adding: "Hopefully they will be available for Tuesday [at Grimsby]."

Have you read?: Tilley the hero as last-gasp strike sees Crawley beat Colchester