Colchester United started their pre-season campaign with a less-than convincing 3-2 win over Tiptree United.
Boss Paul Lambert fielded two different sides each half, with triallist Craig Watkins given the chance to impress the U’s management team.
The Jam Makers were ahead early on, taking advantage from the penalty spot after Phil Ifil, not for the first time, conceded the kick.
Shortly later and the U’s were level, with defender John White prodding home from close range following a corner.
Moments later and the U’s fell behind once again, with the home side taking advantage of a mix-up at the back involving new-boy Ben Williams and Matt Lockwood.
Half-Time: 2-1
With ten changes made at the break, a touch of class from attacking duo Simon Hackney and Steven Gillespie led to the latter finishing a low cross.
And on eighty-minutes the U’s pressure paid off, as a Tiptree defender knocked the ball into his own net.
Full-Time: 2-3
U’s XI First Half: Williams, Ifil, White, Heath, Lockwood, Watkins, Izzet, Fox, Wordsworth, Vernon, Guy.
U’s XI Second Half: Cousins, White (Malton 60), Okuonghae, Baldwin, Maybury, Hackney, Hammond, Jackson, Corcoran, Platt, Gillespie.
So did you attend the match? If so what did you make of the U’s performance?
Let us know with a comment below, or comment on this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don’t panic, click on the banner below to join in.
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Just like the EADT said this morning… we can play an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ team!
Who is this new face… Watkins?!
A trialist from Havant & Waterlooville
Blimey that was a close one wasn’t it???
Yep, not too convincing. Dont think the triallist looked that good according to some people who attended the game.
You didn’t get any jam jokes in…. shame!
off topic i know but you guys have a top ed in Matt_Us here – he really is giving it all for vital colchester, so if anyone can help him, do it – it will be worth it!
Thanks Rug, very kind! (at least we didn’t do a WBA yesterday; they lost to Histon!)
Must echo Rug’s comments having met Matt last night. Site going in the right direction.
Thanks, glad to meet the Vital Pompey faithful as well! Up the U’s!
You seem to be a real hit down there, Matt.
Wouldn’t say that, but they are a good bunch and it was a good meeting of Vital network members!