Report: U’s Destroy High-Flying Charlton

KAYODE ODEJAYI once again proved his worth in a Colchester United shirt as his superb salvo soured another Phil Parkinson return to Essex in the process last night against Charlton.

The overall three goals without reply scoreline also means that the U`s have brought to an abrupt end to Athletics unbeaten start to the season. The first month of Aidy Boothroyd`s tenure has seen Colchester arrest a slight dip in form brought on by the upheaval of Paul Lambert`s departure to Norwich. With three clean sheets in Boothroyd`s opening five games, the U`s are certainly much more balanced.

Colchester made one change from the 1-1 Tranmere draw, with David Fox dropping to the bench in place of Kem Izzet. His team press early on, through Anthony Wordsworth, Odejayi and then another attempt by ex-Addicts man, Kevin Lisbie.

Lloyd Sam had Charlton`s first meaningful effort on the quarter-of-an-hour mark as he looks to continue to rich vein of scoring form found since he ended his barren 18 month spell without finding the net earlier this season.

United then rode their luck until again the run of play at that time they converted an own goal. A misplaced backpass after pressure from a Wordsworth cross saw Charlton`s stopper unable to react and the ball cross the line.

And just minutes later, the on-loan Odejayi latched on to a clever pass down the line, and outpaced the Addicks defence, before lashing the ball into the net for 2-0.

Shortly before the interval, forward Clive Platt had a chance to extend the U’s advantage but failed to get his shot away, under pressure from the visiting back-line.

As the second-half got underway, both sides created a number of chances, with U’s man Izzet opting for a pass, when the shot may have been a better option.

But on fifty-seven minutes, Lisbie made headways down the right to feed the ball into Odejayi, who showed his pace and power to round the ‘keeper, before the Nigerian stroked the ball home for a third.

And the U’s, who were dominating, looked to go further in front, with Lisbie twice going close at the death.

However, the score stayed at three, with the U’s moving up to fourth in League One.