Cousins played in Colchester's first 12 games of the season

Colchester United goalkeeper Mark Cousins is wary his side are starting to be cut off from the play-off pack.

After Saturday's defeat at Hartlepool the U's are six points adrift of sixth-placed Oldham, but have a game in hand.

"We've seen the other results, with Charlton and Huddersfield winning," 24-year-old Cousins told BBC Essex.

"And there is a gap becoming apparent and we do not want that to become too big. We're all a bit down at the moment but we've got to go again next week."

Cousins made his 14th appearance of the season against Pools, filling in for Ben Williams, who missed the trip with a back injury.

606: DEBATE There is no need for the doubts and worries, we have a chance of the play-offs and we have had all season jordo_SAVE 606

And the custodian pulled off a collection of impressive stops, most notably a second-half double save from Colin Larkin and Ritchie Humphreys.

"On a personal note I felt I did well. As a team performance it felt a bit strange, we didn't click," he admitted.

"It does make you feel good making saves, I'd prefer to go through a game without making any.

"I don't know how long Ben's going to be out for but hopefully I've proved to the manager I can do a job when needed."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version