[Mighty T.A.L.]

Burley counts the cost

George Burley was left cursing his luck as Southampton slipped to defeat at Colchester on Saturday.

Colchester have adapted superbly to the rise in class in The Championship and goals from Kevin McLeod and Jamie Cureton accounted for Southampton.

However, things could have been different had Saints been awarded a penalty with the scores at 1-0 - as Greg Halford appeared to fell Kenwyne Jones in the box.

Burley made his feelings known on the penalty and Chris Barker's stunning clearance to deny Rudi Skacel.

"Missed chances, a bit of luck deserting us and a diabolical decision have cost us," said Burley.

"It was a blatant penalty, everyone in the ground saw it. It was a two-handed push on our player. Even Geraint Williams told me he couldn't believe it wasn't given so there's no justice."

Burley's counterpart Geraint Williams had words of sympathy for his opposite number.

"I'd have been disappointed if that decision had happened to us," said Williams. "But sometimes these things go for you.

"And for Skacel's chance, I think Chris Barker was the only person who hadn't given it up.

"But all credit to my players, from the first whistle we go out to win games and it's nice to get an early reward."

Source: http://home.skysports.com