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REPORT BY BRIAN WALLER
Colchester's poor run of form continued as they slipped to yet another defeat as they lost at home to Gillingham in an uninspiring match.

After the postponement last week of their match against QPR due to the frost, the only danger this week was that the rain on early Friday had left the pitch a bit heavy and with the sun trying to come through, there was a bit of mist about prior to kick off, which thankfully swiftly dispersed.

With the absence of most of the second years out of loan, it was a very young squad with just the experience hands of keeper Shane Cusack and striker Michael Rafter of the older variety.

There was also steps up for U16s Jack Folan, with Mason Stewart, Ross Gilfedder and Shaun Phillips on the bench, the latter deputising for the suspended keeper Andrew Dickey, sent off against Southend recently.

There was a further match for trialists Freddie Ladapo and Brendan Kiernan and now newcomer Josh Cann with Tottenham work experience Josh Ekim again in midfield.

There was to be a bright start from Colchester, but unfortunately this failed to last.

Freddie Ladapo was fouled on the right and when Josh Ekim played in the free kick, Dean Rance headed behind for a corner.

Although this was sent a bit deep, Rafter rescued on the left and laid it back for Kiernan, but his effort was blocked.

The Gills responded but from a cross by Olly Batrum from the right, Charlie Stimson glanced his header wide.

When the visitors pushed forward again, left back Josh Cann went down under a challenge, but Jack Folan was swiftly across from the right back slot to prevent any danger arising.

Advancing forward, Cann trying to impress, overhit the cross which went over the bar and Jake Evans was a key player for the Gills as he quickly headed out a Ladapo's cross, and blocked Jordan Sanderson's follow up effort.

When a ball then dropped in midfield, the effort by Rance from 25 yards out went just wide of Shane Cusack`s right hand post.

The U's best chance of the match then came as Josh Ekim back passed to Cusack whose kick forward found Rafter.

He in turn touched right for Kiernan, who went at his full back from the right wing and crossed in for Ladapo, who turned his attempt over the bar.

It was a good spell for Colchester as Rafter went at the defence, but he was hauled down on the edge of the box by Evans who was duly booked. The free kick was taken by the striker, but his effort was straight into the hands of keeper Conor Quinn.

Then it was the away team creating the chances.

Neat build-up set up the chance for Rance, but Cusack (pictured) saved down by his feet.

Then after Colchester initially cleared one move, the ball was played back in, but winger Nathan Nyafli rather stubbed his shot straight at Cusack.

Half time came, but not before Trevor Ajim had missed with his attempt to kick clear, but recovered well to block the shot.

It was a strong Gills start in what was to be a disappointing second half for the home team.

The away side were rewarded for their efforts as George Humber scored four minutes after the restart.

After his earlier yellow card, Evans was lectured by the referee after pulling down Sanderson in midfield but in a better period of play, the left back went on a surging run, easily getting around Folan, but the ball was blocked by Hamilton.

Craig Arnott down the left pulled the ball back for Sanderson but he really failed to get a good connection on the shot.

A wild lunge by Folan on Humber, saw him booked, and he was quickly substituted by Mason Stewart.

After a series of niggly fouls Sanderson was spoken to by the referee, as he conceded another free kick. However the effort by Benniman was shot wide.

Another change saw Sayo Ogundayo replace Kiernan and when Humber got away, he failed to outwit keeper Cusack, who coolly was down to pluck the ball off his toes, when a goal looked a certainty.

Arnott, played in behind the defence, seemed to be in a good position for a goal, but his progress was halted by the linesman's flag, which seemed to surprise the home team, as the run looked to perfection.

Ross Gilfedder then replaced Rafter and Sanderson got a booking for not retreating at a Gillingham free kick, as the game petered out for a U's defeat.

Colchester: Shane Cusack, Jack Folan, Bradley Hamilton, Trevor Ajim, Josh Cann, Brendan Kiernan, Jordan Sanderson, Josh Ekim, Craig Arnott, Freddie Ladapo and Michael Rafter

Used subs: Mason Stewart, Sayo Ogundayo and Ross Gilfedder and unused sub: Shaun Phillips
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