MICHAEL Collins questioned Oxford United’s will to win as Southend United came from behind with ten men to take the points.
The midfielder was recalled to the home side as one of four changes, but was unable to prevent a 3-2 defeat.
Collins expects a tough week as United attempt to find answers, but he felt Southend were willing to do more than their hosts to get the result.
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He said: “I think we’ve got to look at ourselves and say ‘did we want it as much as them?’ “You can probably sum up the difference in the game when they cleared a couple of opportunities off the line because they were willing to throw their bodies in.
“That’s disappointing an away team have come to us and were prepared to do that little bit more than us.”
The 28-year-old did not believe it was down to a lack of effort, rather he thought United were not streetwise enough, particularly at the start of the second half.
He said: “We always give our all, but I think sometimes we can be a bit naive.
“At 2-1 up at home against ten men I think we’ve got to be as patient as we possibly can, keep the ball and move them around.”
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