Colchester United U18s succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against Ipswich Town in a tightly contested clash, with the only goal for the U's coming from Jamie Arnold.
The visitors got off to a great start, taking the lead after just five minutes. Colchester, however, were back on level terms three minutes later after Jamie Arnold's effort found the back of the net. Ipswich then took the lead back late in the first half before extending it two minutes into the second half. They added their fourth seconds before the full-time whistle.
Colchester United U18s were taking on Ipswich Town in a Professional Development League clash on a sunny Saturday morning at Park Drive.
Elliott Ward named a strong starting eleven with the likes of Jamie Arnold, Kai Martin, Burak Sabah, Rash Drysdale, and Andrew Palmer-Brown all coming out for the first forty-five minutes.
The U’s, however, did not get off to a good start with the visitors opening the scoring after just five minutes. After winning possession in their defensive third, Ipswich moved up the pitch quickly before crossing the ball into the box. And, despite a couple of great blocks and one phenomenal save from Chamberlain, the visitors’ fourth drilling effort from close range found the back of the net.
Ipswich did not enjoy the lead for very long. Jamie Arnold managed to find the back of the net less than three minutes after the opener, putting Colchester back on level terms.
After an exciting start to the clash, the intensity dropped slightly for the next twenty minutes with half-chances here and there for both teams.
While the U’s enjoyed more possession and opted for build-up play, it was Ipswich who had the best chances to go ahead in the opening thirty minutes with balls over the top trying to find forwards.
Each time, however, Chamberlain showed off with impressive saves aided by the calmness and alertness of his defensive block.
Just before the half-hour mark, Ward was forced into his first substitution with returning from injury Makhaya James being replaced by Samson Uwandu.
It looked like both teams were going to go in level at half-time, but Ipswich’s press right until the half-time whistle eventually paid off. With forty-two minutes on the clock, the visitors from Suffolk drove forward after dispossessing the U’s before unleashing a curling shot from the edge of the box that flew past Chamberlain.
Colchester couldn’t find the equaliser before the break with Ipswich leading after the first forty-five minutes.
The visitors came out determined to extend their lead and tested Chamberlain after ninety seconds, but the U’s ‘keeper made another great diving save.
Colchester’s shot-stopper, however, was no match for Ipswich’s effort from close range two minutes later. His defensive line failed him by not clearing the ball properly with one of the visitors' forwards pouncing on the mistake and setting the score at 3-1.
The U’s had a great chance to reduce the deficit after sixty-four minutes but Drysdale’s effort was denied by a fingertip save.
Drysdale and Sabah then combined less than three minutes later with some unbelievable skills on show with the latter taking the ball around the keeper but failing to find the back of the net in a tightly contested penalty area. Right after that Ward opted for his second change with Harvey replacing Kosoko.
In the last ten minutes of the match, Colchester were desperate to get back into the game and increased the intensity which resulted in a couple of great chances. Each time, however, the youngsters were denied by blocks and saves.
With the U’s pushing for their second, Ward opted for a double change with five minutes to go - Arnold and Drysdale made way for Moore and Sasere.
Unfortunately despite the constant press and fresh legs, it was the visitors who managed to score seconds before the full-time setting the score at 4-1.
Colchester United Starting XI: 1. Chamberlain, 2. Kosoko, 3. James, 4. Trialist, 5. Palmer-Brown, 6. Frank, 7. Drysdale, 8. Martin, 9. Arnold, 10. Sabah, 11. Kokoshi
Subs: 12. Harvey, 29. Sexton, 14. Sasere, 15. Uwandu, 16. Moore