Colchester United Women faced a difficult afternoon against Sudbury Town at the weekend, with the hosts ultimately taking all three points in a challenging encounter.
The U's made a bright start and were forced to defend against some early pressure, before settling into the game and showing glimpses of the attacking intent that has been a feature of their play.
There was plenty of encouragement to take from the opening exchanges, particularly from new signing Brooke Wright, who impressed with her energy and determination. The forward chased down everything and worked tirelessly to try and make an impact for her new side.
Sudbury were quick to look for balls in behind the Colchester defence, meaning the U's back line had to remain alert. Layla Russell and Lucy Yewman bore the brunt of most of the attacks in the first portion of the half, using their strength and reading of the ball to deny a flurry of potential breakthroughs. The hosts took the lead after just seven minutes however when a challenge inside the area resulted in a penalty being awarded, despite appeals from the Colchester players. The spot-kick was converted to give Sudbury the advantage.
Colchester continued to battle, but Sudbury threatened from set pieces, with a dangerous corner soon followed by another which eventually resulted in a strike from outside the area ricocheting off the post.
The hosts doubled their advantage midway through the half after a loose ball following a throw-in fell kindly outside the box, with a well-struck effort finding the back of the net.
Sudbury continued to look for their forwards with balls through the middle, while also using the wide areas to good effect, frequently working the ball down the wings before looking to deliver into the penalty area. Billie-Jo Williams found herself in the thick of the action on both wings after switching with Russell, with Georgia Young continuing to impress with composed challenges and dissipation of threats.
A solidified and organised back line at the other end denied a number of opportunities from Colchester, capitalising on loose balls to turn the tide back in their favour. Yewman showed excellent awareness late in the first half, covering significant ground to pressure an advancing Sudbury forward and force the eventual effort wide.
With half-time approaching, Young produced an excellent challenge to deny what looked to be a promising goalscoring opportunity. Despite applause from both groups of supporters however, a free-kick was awarded leaving the U’s reeling from the decision. The resultant free-kick unfortunately led to Sudbury extending their advantage before the interval.
Colchester returned for the second half looking to make a positive response, but Sudbury were able to add two further goals during the opening stages of the half.
The U's continued to work hard and showed plenty of spirit despite the scoreline, with the defence having to deal with a number of dangerous situations. Sudbury did have the ball in the net for a potential sixth, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
With grit shown across the pitch and forwards Keisha Amoah and Lindsey Morgan working hard to unleash goalbound attempts, Colchester's best opportunity of the afternoon came late on following some excellent build-up play from their own half. The move created space for skipper Cassie Craddock-Ball, who came close to finding a consolation for the U's.
While the result was not what Colchester had hoped for, there were positives to take from an afternoon that provided valuable experience for fledgling players and a gelling squad. The work rate remained evident throughout, with the players continuing to compete and look for opportunities even when the game was beyond them.
Attention now turns to the FA Cup, with the U's looking to bounce back from this result and make a positive start to their cup campaign against Cambridge City at The Garrison.
Colchester United Women starting XI: Keisha Amoah, Cassie Craddock-Ball, Izzy Eagland, Aoife McGinley, Evie-Mai Harding, Lindsey Morgan, Layla Russell, Billie-Jo Williams, Brooke Wright, Lucy Yewman, Georgia Young