Two first-half goals for the hosts were enough to secure a 2-0 victory on a cold Saturday morning.
Colchester United U18s were taking on Watford in their first Professional Development League clash of 2024.
The first ten minutes saw both teams battling for possession in the middle of the pitch with half-chances here and there.
Just before the tenth-minute mark Frankie Edwards blocked a bicycle kick attempt from the edge of the box and required a quick shirt-swap after suffering a nosebleed.
Despite being back on the pitch and commanding the backline, Edwards could not prevent Watford’s opener. Harrison Chamberlain was put under pressure by one of the Hornet’s forwards who managed to dispossess the U’s keeper before tapping the ball into the empty net.
Colchester were not deterred despite conceding early and nearly got a goal back through Edwards after sixteen minutes. The U’s defender leaped over Watford’s defenders before guiding the ball into the far corner with a powerful header, only for it to be cleared off the line.
The next twenty minutes of the clash saw both sides revert to cautious tactics with occasional bright spells.
Edwards stood out the most for his defensive performance in the first half clearing the ball with his head on multiple occasions.
Ten minutes before half-time, Colchester had a great chance to get back on level terms with the referee pointing to the spot for a blatant handball in the box.
Burak Sabah stepped up but his effort from twelve yards was saved by the Hornet’s goalkeeper who dived the right way.
Five minutes later, the U’s found themselves 2-0 down after a low effort from the edge of the box beat Chamberlain.
There wasn’t much time for anything else afterwards in the first forty-five minutes with Elliott Ward’s men trailing at half-time.
Ten minutes into the second half, Bailey Lamb became the first player of the match to receive a yellow card for a late tackle. The hosts then came close to scoring from a resulting free kick but only hit the post.
Two minutes later, Ward opted for his first change with Daniel Banjoko replacing Alamin Kosoko.
Two more changes followed after sixty-five minutes of playing with Moore and Abidkun replacing Akor and Sasere.
The rest of the match didn't see much action at all with Watford dominating possession but failing to break down the U's well organised defensive line.
Colchester also struggled to create any meaningful changes and failed to find the net with the clash finishing 2-0.
Colchester United Starting XI: 1. Harrison Chamberlain, 2. Elkanah Akor, 3. Donte Frank, 4. Alamin Kosoko, 5. Frankie Edwards, 6. Bailey Lamb, 7. Alex Kokoshi, 8. Ronnie Harvey, 9. James Sasere, 10. Burak Sabah, 11. Rasheed Drysdale
Subs: 29. Jayden Peglar, 12. Fela Abidkun, 14. Daniel Banjoko, 15. Owen Moore, 16. Leo Makatta