The battle of the U's: Cambridge United 2 - 1 Colchester United

The battle of the U's saw a sold out away end and a rather empty home show from the Essex unfaithful. A much needed win was needed for Harris' side and his men started superbly. Only 72 seconds into the game it took all 100 Colchester fans to appeal Watts' knee back to Eastwood. In the opening minutes Brophy missed a big chance after he found space and time at the back post. His shot was trickled into the keeper who tipped it side for a corner. However, the U's momentum was halted after a Colchester counter attack saw the ball end up in the back of the net. A shot with no power or direction somehow made it's way past Eastwood and the 100 home fans cheer.

After about 30 minutes of scrappy play from both sides a free kick on the edge of the box set up, the unofficial, Sir James Brophy. Brophy's weak shot was deflected by the wall and the proper U's found themselves back in the game. 45 minutes in and it was back to level pegging. The away U's weren't done there, a Kaikai cross found a Salmon-like Jobe who leaped and powered the ball into the back of the net 2 minutes later. 2-1 as the sides were called for half time.

The U's were much better second half and were dominant in wide areas with the help of a Appere who was fantastic throughout the game. Some gamesmanship at fault for the scrappiness at times and the poor home support wasn't best pleased. Poor officiating gave Watts a yellow card for absolutely nothing. Ball was booked and given a stern talking too midway through the second half. Cowley made 3 changes which swung the momentum of the game and the home side grew in confidence with a leveler in sight. Gibbons' introduction saw the game heat up as after only a few minutes he was involved with some handbags. The long balls weren't working for Cowley's Colchester as they searched for a late dramatic goal. A strange tactic considering their previous poor long ball percentage.

The last 10 minutes were tense with the home side applying pressure everywhere over the pitch. Kouassi makes his debut with 8 minutes left to replace the hardworking Appere. Kouassi battled fantastically and almost found his way on the end of a great Bennet ball. The clock was ticking and the nerves were certainly there. The first way league victory was on the horizon but with the away side under pressure mentally and physically, Colchester smelt that and went close in the 88th minute. As the minimum of 4 minutes was shown a huge penalty shout for the home side however was correctly waived on as Ball blocked the ball superbly. This is the hunger to win and grind out games and it was the captain for the game who displayed this. In the 92nd minute the flick from no.17 forced a great save from Eastwood. He outdid himself there and redeemed himself for his first half blunder.

Credit: @CambridgeUtdFC on X