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Youth Team Start With A Win

Posted on: Mon 17 Aug 2009

REPORT BY BRIAN WALLER
A venue change saw Colchester start their league campaign away, rather than the scheduled home encounter against the Gills.

It was a short trip into Kent and the U's began their season in style with an excellent win, thanks to new trainee Craig Arnott, who carried on where he left off at the end of last season, by scoring goals.

It was a very pleasing result for manager Joe Dunne who travelled to one of his former clubs, and to return with maximum points.

After a mixed pre-season of friendly games, the boys turned in their best display of the season to date. After a good work on the training pitch during the week, all the hard work was to pay off.

Colchester lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, playing on the counter attack, with speed down the wings from Jordan Lartey down the right and Alex O'Leary on the left.

This caused the home side to struggle to get a good foot hold in the game.

In fact, it was the visitors who created a couple of excellent chances as Jordan Pavett headed just over the bar, and when Arnott lobbed the keeper, his effort was cleared off the line.

After another good interchange of passes, Arnott went close again, before Colchester then won a set piece.

This was taken by O'Leary, it was Arnott heading in on the back post to give Colchester a deserved lead.

With the back four looking strong, through the presence of triallist Trevor Ajim, and Bradley Hamilton and John Glowacki both returning from injury, the U's remained in control until half time.

After the break, Gillingham tried to strike back but Colchester stood firm, and again began the half well, pushing forward to keep a high line up the pitch.

The U's then secured a second goal after good work by Lartey and Pavett who created the chance for Arnott.

He did have the chance to square across for a team mate, but confident in his own ability, he coolly tucked away the chance away himself.

Colchester then saw the game out to a conclusion, and now face another trip next week, when they go to Millwall.

Despite Louis O'Sullivan passing a late fitness test, the squad still have a few injuries worries, so there were senior debuts for right back Jack Folan for Ajim, with Hamilton switching to centre back, and Ross Gilfedder, a striker, who replaced Pavett up front.

Also coming on as a sub was Jordan Sanderson for Conor McCloskey.

Team: Shane Cusack, Bradley Hamilton, John Glowacki, Trevor Ajim, Shane Stamp, Jordan Lartey, Conor McCloskey, Louis O'Sullivan, Alex O'Leary, Jordan Pavett and Craig Arnott

Used subs: Jack Folan, Jordan Sanderson and Ross Gilfedder

Unused subs: Andrew Dickey and Ryan Melaugh