Colchester v Saints Report

Colchester took an early lead against Southampton today at Layer Road as transfer Deadline signing Kevin Mcleod popped up at the far post to nod home after 3 minutes after a great cross from Jamie Cureton.

Manager Geriant Williams was forced to shuffle the pack loosing midfielder Kevin Watson to injury and Richard Garcia to suspension. In came former Spurs trainee and summer signing Johnnie Jackson who had been sidelined with injury for some time.

Jackson more that filled the void left in midfield by the injured Kevin Watson and was unlucky to see Kelvin Davis save low down to his right after a fantastic move by the U`s.

Indeed Southampton have the former Ipswich stopper to thank for keeping them in the game after a rampant U`s side were determined to brush aside their former Premiership Guests.

The U`s were first to everything with the midfield looking to create at every chance.

Brown and Baldwin threw everything at the Saints attack to deny them benefiting from a rare attack.

Izzet and Jackson went close only for Izzet to watch as his shot sailed well way over the Saints cross bar, the U`s look capable of scoring with every attack, as Iwelumo watched as his shot went wide and Jackson again forced a great save from Davis.

Colchester left the pitch to a standing ovation as former manager George Burley couldn`t wait to get his charges back to the dressing room to address what was a poor first half showing against a confident Colchester attack.

Burley made 2 changes early on in an attempt to turn things his team`s way; however it was again Colchester who made the brighter start with McLeod going close again after driving forward through a poor Saints midfield and with the keeper to beat he unlashed a rasping 25 yard shot which sailed over the Crossbar.

The Saints started to create more chances as the game became more open with Scarcel the pick of a poor bunch forcing Davison into a Rare save.

Southampton were soon calling for a Penalty after it seemed that Halford pulled down Jones in the box, only for the referee to wave away their appeals.

Southampton continued to grow in the second half, with Scarcel involved again and with an open goal to slot home with Davison on his backside he watched as his shot was cleared off the line by Barker at the last minute when it was easier to score.

With Colchester playing on the counter attack the game was soon put beyond Southampton as Iwelumo tracked back to steel the ball of a Saints player, halford played the ball through for Cureton who timed his run superbly from his half to advance past the Saints defence and make sure from 18 yards and slot home past the despairing dive of Davis to put the U`s 2 up and end the game as a contest.

This result sees the U`s back up to 10th position leapfrogging today`s opponents. Tuesday we visit the Canaries at Carrow Road, and follow this with the home visit of Cardiff next Saturday, Geriant Williams and his side have a busy 7 days ahead.


Up the U`s

There was some outstanding displays today from a Colchester team that enjoy playing together and I am at a loss to single out one in particular, however for a great Goal from his first start and some wonderful wing play my star player today is Kevin McLeod.

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