U’s 0-1 Peterborough – Report

COLCHESTER UNITED were outclassed by Peterborough United in a 1-0 defeat at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Charlie Lee`s solo goal earned the high-flying Posh a second-successive promotion and a place in next season`s Championship.

Paul Lambert made two changes from last week`s win at Hereford and injury restricted just four substitutes on the bench.

The visitors started brightly, with U`s goalkeeper Dean Gerken thwarting both Aaron McLean and Charlie Lee.

Ashley Vincent was the first U`s player to have an attempt at goal but his long-range effort flew over the bar.

On eighteen minutes, U`s winger, Mark Yeates, following a corner, drove a low rifled effort just wide of Joe Lewis` up-right.

Moments later, Vincent and John White combined to set up makeshift midfielder Marc Tierney, who nodded wide of the mark.

And in a period of U`s pressure, Yeates, unlike a week earlier, curled a free-kick narrowly past Lewis` right-hand post.

Just past the half hour mark, Hackney, after latching on to Clive Platt`s clever through ball, saw his arrowed low strike roll just wide of goal.

But after failing to make their chances count, the U`s fell behind as a free-flowing Posh move ended in Lee firing the ball beyond Gerken and into the roof of the net. The goal sent the travelling army of Posh fans into delirium.

And Gerken was forced to deny Posh a second, as Craig Mackail-Smith broke clear and shot at goal but Gerken blocked well.

Minutes after the restart and the U`s almost drew level but Yeates` curling left-footed effort bounced off target.

Vincent thought he had pulled the game level but was frustrated to see the flag go up, as his fierce shot hit the back of the net.

Mackail-Smith came close to putting the game to bed but was a few inches away from connecting with George Boyd`s low cross.

Midway through the second period and, after coming on as a sub, Anthony Wordsworth could so easily have made it 1-1.

U`s stopper Gerken was called into action a number of time in the closing stages, as the Posh looked to seal victory, first reacting well to get down to Mackail-Smith`s header before denying Chris Whelpdale too.

And as the travelling fans started their ecstatic celebrations, Yeates came so close to breaking their hearts but his powerful shot just skimmed the bar on the way over.

As the full-time whistle blew and, following a short pause while MK Dons vital loss was finalised, Peterborough`s deserved promotion was confirmed and their fans started to party.

Vital Colchester would like to congratulate the Posh on their achievement.