U’s Ladies On Top

Colchester continued their fine start to the season with an impressive 5-0 win over relegated Langford. Kayleigh Morgan impressed with another great performance, scoring a hat-trick to send Langford home without a win in their first 3 games.

The conditions weren’t favourable to produce a good football match, but Colchester showed just how much potential there is in the team for the rest of the season. They refused to be bullied out of the game by a robust Langford team who now find themselves at the bottom of the table, although they have plenty of time to pick themselves up and improve on that position. For the first 30 minutes it looked like the weather would be the winner as the ball continuously drifted out of play. Colchester had the better of the early play, Wake headed over from close range and Smith and Morgan both went close with efforts from close range. Langford created a couple of early chances without worrying Kinsalla in the Colchester goal. Colchester took the lead in the 31st minute when Porter’s corner found Morgan who scored from close range. Colchester held on to their slender lead to go in with their tails up at half time.

Colchester learnt from the first half and coped with the cross wind better than their opponents and outplayed them with some neat football. Longhurst was targeted and was on the end of some ‘special’ treatment, but the performance from Colchester was outstanding as they laid siege on the Langford goal. Golding twice went close with long range efforts before Griffiths ventured down the right and saw her shot parried by the keeper, but Morgan was following up to make it 2-0. At the back for Colchester, Watson has found her fitness and tidied up any danger, alongside the evergreen Swift. Carolyn Morris made her debut and improved as the game progressed in an important holding role in the middle of the park. Smith added the third in the 72nd minute following a good right wing run by Morgan. 4 minutes later and the ball was in the back of the net again when Morgan completed her hat-trick with a header following a corner. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Golding was unlucky to see her 20 yard shot strike the inside of the post and bounce out to safety. But only 2 minutes later Golding unleashed another special from 25 yards and the ball sailed into the net, giving the keeper no chance and completing Colchester’s 5-0 rout.

Manager Downey was suitably impressed with the ladies performance, praising their intelligent play in difficult conditions.

There was further good news for the team with the announcement that Amy Warnes would be returning to training next Thursday, following an injury.