PRICE: I’M TO BLAME

FRONTLINE PARTNERSHIP: Pawel Abbott (above, left) has struck up a good understanding with Jason Price.

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Striker apologises for defeat

JASON PRICE took the weight of blame for defeat at Colchester United on his shoulders — before admitting that he would like to stick around at the club to put things right.

The on-loan Athletic striker failed to track his assigned man Danny Batth at a corner and saw the centre-back nod home what turned out to be the winner for the home team.

That was despite Athletic playing the better football throughout, fashioning a host of scoring chances which they couldn’t quite make count.

Price went close for Dave Penney’s side, hitting a post with a first-half header and then striking the crossbar at the other end.

And the Millwall striker insists that Athletic, who head to Leeds United tomorrow, have the quality within the side to make a renewed climb away from the Coca-Cola League One danger zone.

“I could have scored twice and their ’keeper was man-of-the-match, which goes to show how dominant we were in the game,” said Price, after a defeat which leaves Athletic 19th and only one point away from the bottom four.

“It was just silly mistakes off set pieces. The goal was a lapse of concentration on my part as the man I was supposed to be marking scored.

“I have apologised to the boys. There was an argument just before that when we were asleep at a throw-in.

“I was hoping the ’keeper (Dean Brill) would get the corner but, when he didn’t, I should have blocked off Batth and I take responsibility for that.

“But you have to look at the positives. We should have come away with three points and we have gone in at full-time really disappointed.

“I have played four games now and I think we should have won all four.”

Price’s current one-month loan deal takes in the Leeds game and Saturday’s clash with leaders Norwich City at Boundary Park before expiring.

However, the 32-year-old is keen to remain with Athletic after striking up an understanding with fellow striker Pawel Abbott.

“He knows where I am with the little flicks and headers,” he added.

“We are forming a good partnership, it is just the goals now.

“I am playing games here and at Millwall the boys up front are scoring so I don’t think I would be playing if I went back. I would be more than happy to stay.”

Colchester boss Aidy Boothroyd was a relieved man to claim three points against Athletic.

“This was the biggest win of the season for me as I thought Oldham were very good,” said the United manager.

Chris Taylor is a major doubt for tomorrow’s Leeds game after picking up a knock to his sore hip and Jim Goodwin (thigh) is also doubtful.