A quick start, sublime finishes, goal line clearances, and a first goal in a Col U shirt for Finley Barbrook – Colchester United saw the 2025/26 League Two season out in style with a 4-1 victory away to Cheltenham Town.
A third-minute goal from Samson Tovide set the tone for the U’s, as a brilliant strike by Arthur Read doubled the lead, before Harry Anderson made it a three-goal lead on 31 minutes to take us into half-time.
A George Miller header clawed one back for the hosts in the second half, but the U’s stood firm and Barbrook’s 90th minute volley from close range sealed the final day three points.
The U’s made four changes to the starting 11 from the defeat at home to Notts County, including a first league start for Sam Kuffour Jr and a first squad involvement for Max Jolliffe this season.
Frankie Terry created the opener after capitalising on an unfortunate slip by a Cheltenham defender, driving into the box and putting the ball on a plate for Tovide just yards from goal, who passed the ball through the legs of Joe Day.
Colchester remained dominant but Kyreece Lisbie and Jack Payne both put efforts wide in attempts to extend the lead. Isaac Hutchinson came close to equalising for the Robins with a header across goal, but it bounced wide of Matt Macey’s post.
The U’s persistence paid off soon after as our Goal of the Season winner Read produced another excellent finish to drive the ball into the bottom-right corner 20-yards out.
Anderson grabbed his goal following an excellent run down the right-wing by Lisbie. His pass across the box allowed Anderson to slot the ball past the goalkeeper and give the U’s a commanding lead.
However, the U’s had to defend their three-goal lead on the brink of half-time with some pressure from the home side, but a diving header off the goal line by Kuffour Jr kept the lead intact.
Cheltenham started the second half stronger, scoring after 10 minutes. George Miller beat Macey with a looping header following a free-kick delivered from the right of the pitch.
The hosts were next to put the ball in the back of the net. A dangerous corner fell for the Robins’ James Wilson to volley into the bottom-left corner from 12 yards, but the referee blew for a handball to disallow the goal on 75 minutes.
Feeling the pressure from the home side, the U’s began to dominate again, with Read attempting multiple efforts on goal. Colchester finally regained their three-goal advantage as substitute Barbrook found himself in the right place to volley home one of Read’s saved attempts.
Congratulations to Jolliffe who made his first appearance for the U’s, replacing Read on 92 minutes.
A confident and thrilling final day win for Colchester United. Thank you for all of your support this season, U’s fans.