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Young U's See Off Orient

Posted on: Tue 14 Apr 2009

REPORT BY BRIAN WALLER
The U's youth team climbed further up the Youth Alliance League table as they build ready for next season, and the signs are looking very good.

This was another impressive display by them, as they continue to improve under the excellent management of boss Joe Dunne.

What made it so pleasing for him was the age of this very young squad. Bereft of second years, it was first year trainees and several members of the U16s team, who have also done well this season.

On what was a difficult pitch for both sides, Colchester started well, and were showing good early touches on the ball.

A good move then saw Conor McCloskey feeding from midfield to find Craig Arnott but, due to a slight bobble off the pitch, he put his shot just wide.

The away team always looked a danger from set pieces and it came as no surprise when Reece Harris swung the ball in from a wide position, that it was Craig Arnott heading home on the back post, to give Colchester the lead.

With Jordan Lartey and Harris putting in more good deliveries from the wings, further opportunities were soon created.

With Tom Bender and John Glowacki continuing to look solid in the centre of the defence, and with the support at right back from Bradley Hamilton, Colchester were looking very good value for their half time lead.

Indeed, there were very few chances forthcoming for the home team.

The half time team talk spoke about continuing to be industrious and remaining creative, and with that the good work rate would be rewarded.

However the O's began the second half the stronger and they were rewarded after a bit of U's indecision. It was 1-1 as a fine strike was put away into the bottom of the net.

Rather than deflate Colchester, they rolled up their sleeves and with the two strikers in dominant form it was only a matter of time before the lead would be regained.

The team regrouped, started to create more chances, and from Jordan Pavett`s good hold up play and with Arnott continuing to show a great eye for goal, the second goal was not far away.

The manager was indeed very encouraged by his young guns.

It was a superb move that then won it for Colchester as the attack began with an excellent ball from midfield that found Lartey, and he then set up Arnott who moved on, rounded the keeper and despite being forced very wide, still found the net.

The strike came from the tightest of tight angles, right on the byline, and it was an amazing effort by him.

There was to be one scare for the U's as a lack of concentration nearly cost them dear, and with the centre forward looking to be in with a great chance to level it up again, another unfortunate bobble for him allowed Shane Cusack to make the save.

With the minutes ticking down, it gave the two subs a late chance to get a piece of action.

It was the tall and commanding Jordan Sanderson on for Lartey with the real battler Mason Stewart making his senior debut for the youth team, on to replace the injured McCloskey.

With the squad stretched to the bare bones due to injuries and reserve team commitments, it was a very pleased and contented manager Joe Dunne at the final whistle, who was truly proud of his boys.

The team now finish the season with visits to Brentford and Northampton on the next two Saturdays, and are looking forward to the new season now when it begins in August.

Team: Shane Cusack, Bradley Hamilton, John Glowacki, Tom Bender, Shane Stamp, Jordan Lartey, Conor McCloskey, Louis O`Sullivan, Reece Harris, Jordan Pavett and Craig Arnott

Used subs: Jordan Sanderson and Mason Stewart