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Match Reports

Winning Run Continues

18 July 2017

Match Reports

Winning Run Continues

18 July 2017

Colchester United made it four wins out of four in pre-season, with a flowing 2-0 win against a young West Ham side.

The impressive Drey Wright grabbed the first for the U's after just five minutes and, although the home side created a host of chances through the first half, the U's had to wait until the hour mark for their second through Denny Johnstone.

The Hammers gave the U's a good test, particularly in the second half, but John McGreal's men maintained their 100% record and are still to concede - although the visitors did miss a second half penalty.

The U's flew out of the blocks and took the lead when an excellent Tom Lapslie through ball found the onrushing Wright, who tucked home under the keeper.

It set the U's off on a positive first half performance, with the chances coming thick and fast.

They went close just before the twenty minute mark, as Murray spotted the keeper off his line and, from forty yards out, struck a sweet shot that came down off the bar and was close to crossing the line.

Seven minutes later, and Johnstone missed a gilt edged chance as the ball was deflected into his path as he surged in, and he could only fire over from close range.

The impressive Vincent-Young and Murray both missed further chances before the break, but the U's remained in front at half time.

The Hammers started the second half brightly and Neufville tested Walker with a shot that was arrowing towards the top corner, only for the U's man to collect.

But, despite pressure from the visitors, the U's doubled their advantage just after the hour.

From a classy Slater free kick, Johnstone was first to react in the box and he ducked to head home his third of pre-season so far.

Five minutes later, he could have had his fourth as he powered in at the far post, but his header was just off target.

With twenty minutes to go, the Hammers had a penalty as substitute Gordon was tripped by Walker in the box, but defender and captain Pike skewed his spot kick off target.

Just after that, the U's made a host of changes as Issa, Brown, Dunne, Diaz Wright, O'Sullivan, Edge and Szmodics came on, and the younger U's matched up their opponents in the latter stages.

Szmodics, Dunne and Issa all tested the Hammers goal, but the U's had to make do with two goals as they continued a positive pre-season campaign.

U's: Walker, Kent, Eastman (Wynter 53), James, Vincent-Young (Brown 72), Slater (O'Sullivan 72), Murray (Dunne 72), Lapslie (Diaz Wright 72), Kinsella (Edge 72), Wright (Issa 72), Johnstone (Szmodics 72)

Attendance: 2,626


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