Gareth Ainsworth says his players dropped below the standards expected of a Wycombe Wanderers side in their 2-0 defeat to Colchester United.

Second half goals from Chris Porter and Sammie Szmodics gave the U’s a comfortable win as they brushed aside a laboured Wycombe.

There was little to choose between the sides at half-time, but Ainsworth admitted Wanderers were below par in the second period.

“I am disappointed. The second half was not good enough, it is another second half where we have dropped our standards,” he said.

“I am hoping [it is blip]. I know it is not the end of the world, it is football game, but I know it means a lot to a lot of people, so I am hurting and will hurt tonight.

“The players are disappointed, it is tough for the fans to take on derby day to lose 2-0. All I can say is I will work my hardest to put things right and that is a promise to everyone.”

The match was notable for the number of yellow cards picked up by Wanderers players as six of their number went in John Brooks’ book.

The man in the middle also turned down two penalty appeals from the home side and Ainsworth was convinced his team should have been given a spot kick.

Ainsworth was critical of the referee at the full-time whistle and suggested he made a number of errors, while also condemning some of his players conduct.

“I thought the referee wasn’t good. I think Thommo going through was a booking and I thought he dived. That is not nice to see,” he said.

“The one in the second half is a handball and the one in the first half is handball as well.

“I think a couple lost their heads, but two of the cards were quite weak. I think Sido was lucky to stay on the pitch though, so it evens itself up.”

The match culminated in Paul Hayes having a heated exchange with a large number of Wanderers fans.

Ainsworth said of the incident: “I will speak to the players and see what is said. They are passionate boys and they will be devastated.

“They would really have wanted to win this one for Wycombe and unfortunately it has gone the other way.

“I have seen players engage with big numbers of fans, I used to do it, win lose or draw. It depends what was said and what comes out of that [if it is a good thing to do].”