Ward: Gulf in class showed

08 January 2011 20:30
Colchester boss John Ward acknowledged that the gulf in class between the two sides ultimately proved too great for his players to bridge as they lost 4-0 at Swansea. Garry Monk and Darren Pratley gave the Swans a 2-0 lead at the interval and further strikes from Cedric van der Gun and Scott Sinclair left their npower League One opponents overwhelmed. Ward said: "We were beaten by a side that has realistic ambitions of going into the Premier League next season. "There was a huge gap and they had a player in their side who had played Champions League football in Scott Sinclair, while we had players who are happy to be playing in League One. "I have massive respect for the way they play the game and I admire what they are doing under Brendan Rodgers. "We have learned a big lesson and we will take it back to our club and work hard to improve our passing game. It was a difficult experience for us, but one which I am happy we have had. "We reached the third round of the FA Cup and I was pleased we were playing Swansea City rather than sitting at home watching another game on TV."

Source: PA