New Year New Determination

Colchester started 2008 with an unlikely win away to 5th placed Charlton, with former Addicks striker Kevin Lisbie returning to the Valley to sink his former club with a well taken brace.

Colchester rooted to the bottom of the Championship and without a win over the festive period well and truly said goodbye to the old year welcoming the new with what was not only was great great performance but a very encouraging win.

With John White returning to the side to replace Captain Duguid following a productive loan spell and want away Elokobi replacing Danny Granville on the left of defence the U's went into the game with a defence that had leaked 45 goals already since August.

Former England Striker Teddy Sheringham was on the bench with Jamie Guy as Lisbie took his place up front with Clive Platt, a pairing that had reaped dividends so early on in this campaign.

The impressive Gutteridge kept his place in Midfield ahead of Izzet and was again featuring well in as the U's created chances from the outset.

Lisbie who had spent many years as a Charlton player done well to win a penalty and had no hesitation in stepping up to put the Essex side ahead early on, adding to his tally later on in the first half with an excellent overhead finish to put bottom club Colchester 2 - 0 ahead of their illustrious hosts.

Colchester were so on top of the game that Addicks manager Pardew was forced to change his formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 and it was this substitution that soon paid dividends with Varney coming on to score in what was a nail biting time for the visitors, indeed Varney had the ball in the back of the Colchester net again only for the officials to rule the goal out.

Colchester fans could be forgiven for feeling a little De Ja Vu as they had witnessed Charlton come back from 2-0 down earlier in the season at Layer Road only for the home side to capitulate late on and the game to finish all square.

Indeed history was not to repeat itself this time round as the visitors came out determined not to allow this to happen, indeed Colchester looked comfortable as the second half started,a feeling that they continued all through the remaining time that was left, indeed Jackson and Lisbie had chances to extend the Colchester lead.

When Lisbie was replaced by Jamie Guy he received a standing ovation from all four sides of the Valley, he deserved the tribute as did the Colchester players from the 1000 or so travelling fans from North Essex who had seen a differant side to that was presented to them some days earlier as they lost at home to Blackpool.

A great result with a great team performance, it is only one game but already the players and the fans have a new feeling of confidence about them, the only way is and must be up!

Final Score Charlton 1 - 2 Colchester.

New Determination - Same has to be said for the editor of this site who has been unwell over the festive period and unable to bring you News and Views from that time, however normal service is now resumed and I wish you all a Happy 2008.

Anyone who wishes to write for the site and would like to become part of the team should email me from the link on the front page.