Barnsley left Layer Road with all 3 points tonight after coming from behind to win for a second time away from home in a week.
Colchester had taken the lead on 43 Minutes with Greg Halford heading in at the far post from a cross from Jamie Cureton.
At this point it seemed that the U`s season had all but started only for Barnsley to come back in the second half to claim all Three points.
Colchester started the game with just one change, Garry Richards coming in for Pat Baldwin who had been ill midweek.
Again the U’s started brightly looking for the early goal when a cross from Elokobi evaded the onrushing U’s players.
With Jackson moving out to the left and Izzet playing more centrally Geriant Williams seemed to be trying something new whilst tweaking the formation slightly.
Duguid replaced Halford at the back with Halford going the other way.
Izzet was shown the First yellow card of the game after what seemed to be a fair challenge on Togwell, Mr. Poll was reminded by the crowd that it was only the first yellow card.
Barnsley were making headway in attack with Richards (Barnsley) going close with a couple of chances, while Cureton curled a shot just wide at the other end.
Mr Poll seemed to be watching a different game to everyone else failing to book Togwell for a nasty challenge on Duguid, although he did Caution him later for a foul on Richards (Colchester) and that would have made it twice, Mr. Poll didn`t want to be in a position to have count up the yellow cards for one player it seemed, we all know how difficult he finds that.
The U`s were having some joy in attack with both Brown and Jackson going close. Izzet burst into the area after a great defence splitting pass from Halford, only for him to see the keeper claim at his feet after it seemed he had rounded him.
Colchester soon scored after Cureton recovered a deep corner to cross back into the box for Halford to head home at the back stick from 2 yards out.
Half Time Colchester 1 Barnsley 0
Barnsley came out for the second half all guns blazing showing the positive attitude that had seen them come from behind at Hull 4 days earlier.
Iwelumo replaced Jackson who appeared to be carrying an injury, while Halford nearly scored the goal of the season seeing the Barnsley keeper way off his line Halford with assistance from the wind and about 10 yards in his own half was only inches over with his audacious lob.
Barnsley kept coming forward and were soon to be rewarded for their attacking play after McIndoe fooled Duguid to cross for Richards to head home off the Cross Bar at the far post.
Richards and Barnsley had both deserved the goal.
Jamie Guy came on to replace Cureton and this soon saw the youngster try and dance through the Barnsley defence only for a last ditch tackle to take the ball off his foot as he shaped to shoot. He wasn`t to be outdone and soon won a corner for his endeavour.
The home fans were soon upset after Howard seemed to impede Garcia to claim the ball, Howard then shot from thirty yards into the far corner of Davisons goal, Davison could only stand and watch as the goal went in.
The winning goal came on 71 mins, the U’s failed to have any notable chance on goal for the rest of the half.
Full Time Colchester 1 Barnsley 2
Player Ratings
Aidan Davison 5
Questionable positioning for the goal, something he is usualy good at, didn’t inspire confidence today.
Wayne Brown 7
Continues to do everything that is asked of him even when those around him let him down.
Garry Richards 6
Had a decent game, didnt look out of place, although distribution could be better.
Karl Duguid 6
I personaly prefer Duguid on the right of midfield then in defence, McIndoe got away from him to cross for their first goal.
George Elokobi 6
Done well, but was left exposed, better than Tuesday
Johnnie Jackson 5
Didnt get into the game whatsoever, maybe carrying an injury before the start, he needs to get up and support the front two, seemed uninterested today.
Kevin Watson 6
Not his usual self but tried hard, not much support in Midfield for him.
Kem Izzet 5
Runs about, Runs about some more, makes some tackles gets involved and leaves big holes? What is his position? Needs to hold a position and support Watson instead of thinking he can do it all himself.
Greg Halford 6
Fades in and out of games, needs to support Watson more, hold the ball up and help create the play.
Jamie Cureton 7
Works hard but doesnt seem to get the service from a spluttering Midfield, will chase everthing if only they played balls to his feet.
Richard Garcia 5
Not at the races today after looking sharp for first two games, may benefit from week without game.
Jamie Guy 6
Looked good coming on, shouldn’t try and do it all himself.
Chris Iwelumo 4
Another Poor game for Big Chris, doesnt help that his team mates Continue to fire balls at his head, needs to get involved, needs 90 mins in the reserves.
Manager Rating
Geriant seems to be tweaking things around to try and get the balance right, keeps trying Duguid and Halford in each others respective places, desperatley needs to bolster squad.
Opponent Rating
Andy Ritchie has got his charges fired up, he likes to play football, Barnsley attacked down both flanks and the stats show this in the amount of crosses, a good days work.
Referee 4
Graham Poll, thinks the game of football is all about what exsposure he gets and not the two teams, some very strange decisions from someone who was meant to be one of the countries top referees. Behind the play at this level, should have Retired full stop after the world cup!
