Well we're back on the winning trail, albeit in the cup again, however even it is the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, take nothing from the achievement of beating a League One side on their own patch, putting in a decent performance while we were at it. You may say we rode our luck at times, Danny Senda with two last ditch clearances and our crossbar being hit twice too, however overall we were pretty good value for our win with the squad appearing to cope with eight games in 24 days, six of them away, very well.
Yes let's not get carried away, it is only the Johnstone's Paint after all, and indeed the whole evening seemed to have that amateur feel about it as Colchester's organisation at their new Community Stadium left a lot to be desired. Firstly they have fallen for the 'one main access road to certain death' syndrome that plagues many a new ground. We've all been there, at places like Yeovil, Northampton, Shrewsbury, where out of town new grounds have offered parking on site because it's in the middle of nowhere. No-one at these grounds has really thought this through, resulting in a long wait to get into the car park even for what was inevitably going to be a lower than average attendance. I dread to think what it's like on an actual matchday.
Once we had sorted out our tickets, it's one of those where you have to buy first from a long ticket office queue, meaning that many would miss kick off, I walked into the bog-standard new ground concourse with the hope of getting something to eat. My first surprise was that we were sharing the facilities with home supporters and secondly that there appeared to be no food ready. This is already smacking of amateur. I decided to forego the wait and head outside.
On first viewing, the ground is a typically simple affair. Nice and tidy, practical, but will do nothing for those who like a bit of character in their stadia. We were to be herded into one small block of the Main Stand which was the only one open for the evening but it was clearly evident that we had bought more than Colchester had bargained for. Granted there could have only been about 250, but the stewards walked around hurriedly trying to work out what to do. There's empty seats behind and to the side of us, but it took a good five minutes to work out that the best solution was to allow supporters to sit in those empty seats, rather than unsuccessfully picking out the odd seat amongst the crowd. As segregation was not in force downstairs, it was barely in force in the ground either, with around four stewards forming a line between us and the home supporters. I mean, we are no trouble and there was to be no issues throughout the game, but what if? Someone really hasn't planned this very well.
As for the game, we started on the back foot as Colchester came out of the blocks quickly. However, we were to break the deadlock with our first foray forward. Mark Marshall was again the provider as his low ball across the box was diverted home by Ricky Holmes who grabbed his second of the season, both in cup games. Hurrah. The home side didn't waste much time getting back level however, as they were to score from a corner. The marking was suspect at the very best, and the Colchester man was allowed a free header from six yards. It cannoned off the bar but Pat Baldwin was quickest off the mark and headed home the rebound to cancel out the lead. That wasn't to be all though in an action packed first 20, as Izale McLeod burst clear soon after and was bought down by the outstretched leg of the defender. Claims that he took the ball were inconclusive and the fussy referee pointed to the spot. McLeod made no mistake and slammed down the middle for his sixth of the season. Clubs will surely be sniffing.
The League One side enjoyed a fair bit of possession throughout the first half but they were not having it all their own way. Chances though were largely their's and we rode our luck a little to stay in front as the first half drew to a close. Dean Brill in particular looked solid and made a couple of good saves. One close ranged effort was brilliantly stopped and Danny Senda defended expertly to ensure that the rebound stayed out. By all accounts we were at sixes and sevens at the back on Saturday, so this must have been an improvement.
Just before half time I decided I would try and beat the rush to get some food after my unsuccessful attempt previously. I was told I couldn't be served alcohol until half time and the pies weren't ready. Oh brilliant. This just gets sillier. What next? I came back with a minute or so of the half remaining and saw alcohol being happily served with a continuing lack of pies. Oh come on! A beer queue then opened as the food queue was miles long, and I finally got two bottles of cider. Thankyou! Though I do resent paying £7.60 for not much more than a pint.
Anyway, Colchester's dominance wore off somewhat in the second half and it was far more even in terms of chances and possession. We looked pretty comfortable though there was the odd flash that reminded us we were still up against League One opposition here, and that we would have to be on our toes. Our cause wasn't helped by a farcical sending off for Izale McLeod. He was booked for standing within ten yards of a free kick midway through the second half, and rather stupidly, he followed the referee and remonstrated with him about it. The official wasted no time in producing a second yellow and the red card. Ridiculous. I mean, Izale really should know better and let the thing lie, but to be honest it was very, very fussy officiating. He was following the rules to the absolute extreme and appeared to apply little common sense all evening. Danny Senda was penalised for timewasting at a throw after maybe 20 minutes? It was all so unnecessary.
The lack of McLeod did little to swing the balance however. Steve Kabba was bought on and put in a good shift up top and he was to grab a decisive goal with 15 minutes to play. Mark Byrne's corner was heading into the net but for a desperate punch by the U's 'keeper, and Kabba was on hand to nod home the simplest of rebounds. Looked like we were on our way through! We saw out the remaining time well, and even Darren Dennehy got his first competitive appearance for nearly a year under his belt. That was good to see, as he will be a good asset for us this season.
Fortunately, owing to a cheeky shortcut the feared waiting time of leaving the ground was all but eradicated, and we were on our way home. We now await the second round draw with baited breath. Accrington at home next, possibly without McLeod as I am unsure as to when the suspension kicks in, however if Kabba is fit we do have strength in depth to cover. Could do with a win really.
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