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This weekend sees unbeaten Colchester United under DC play host to FGR now led by Steve “Sombrero” Cotterill. More of that later.
It would be remarkably remiss of me to fail to mention last Saturday’s game at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium against Morecambe.
With youngest son in tow, we travelled the mere 63 miles to Morecambe via Atkinson’s fish n chips on Albert Road and a short distance from the ground. As usual they were outstanding (even giving PAPAs a run for their money). They do a superb haddock and chips, a stone’s throw from the sea front.
Parking at the ground is in the Primary school and for £5 (all of which goes to help the local school) it is good value.
Morecambe have stopped programmes and like Crewe now produce a monthly magazine which devotes a two-page spread to the teams playing Morecambe that period. At £4 it is reasonable but no substitute for a matchday programme.
I was really looking forward to the game mainly because it was my first chance to see the Super U’s under DC and NC management. The first change was to see DC out with the players prior to kick off and sorting the training. The 180 faithful amongst a crowd of 3,383 were vocal from the outset and the rapport between supporters and manager was tangible.
DC had lined up:
Goodman
Harbottle Hall Iandolo
Richardson Smith McGeehan Read
Chilvers Fevrier
Hopper
Subs: Hornby Edwards Wilkinson for Chilvers 62 Dallison for Harbottle 72 Anderson for Fevrier 72 Jay for McGeehan 88 Akinde for Hopper 88
This was also my first opportunity to see our new loan signings; Alistair Smith, Riley Harbottle and Harry Anderson. Plus, I had yet to watch Conor Wilkinson in a U’s shirt.
I was pleased that DC had only made two changes to my predicted line up with Iandolo and Hall for Dallison and Edwards. Still DC knows best!
The crowd was larger than hitherto more than twice the size of the last crowd that I saw at the Mazuma/Globe arena. The noise generated from the faithful was absolutely deafening and they sang throughout. At times you could hear a pin drop from the Shrimpers. Harbottle was a real force at the back for the U’s. Richardson had his best game for the U’s bar none. Alistair Smith was absolutely outstanding, covering virtually the entire pitch, breaking up their attacks, starting our own. I don’t believe that he misplaced one pass all afternoon. Lincoln must have some amazing midfield players if they can afford to loan Smith.
It is a long time since I have seen Colchester control a game for such long periods. 17 shots, 3 on target and 9 corners produced a satisfied and delighted U’s support. Some years ago, under Lambert we went to Carlisle and won 2-0 in what was a controlled game of football. This was not dissimilar.
Richardson and Iandolo offered outlets from the back. The aforementioned Smith was superb and Arthur Read was simply sublime.
On 27 minutes we won a free kick 25 yards from goal and slightly to the right as we looked at it. Although Read and Chilvers stood over it there was only player who deserved to take the kick. I said to Stuart – top corner will do nicely. And so, it proved as Read got the ball up and over the wall and it hit the top right hand of the net leaving Mair in the Morecambe goal no chance whatsoever. A free kick of such brilliance, it deserved to win any game.
Morecambe were stunned, but in truth had no answer to the U’s cultured football. None of the playing out from the back nonsense, just smart passing football and some of the intricate passes were worthy of the top of league one rather than nest the foot of league two.
Playing a higher line and pressing the opposition back allowed the energetic Hopper to work hard up front and Fevrier was a willing runner at their full backs.
We all wondered when the second goal was coming.
It was good to see Kevin at half time and Noah joined us for the second half. Interestingly he opined that the chat in the refreshment queue at half time was that we would give a penalty away. We didn’t have long to wait. Only 50 seconds in the second half and a theatrical dive was judged by the referee to warrant a penalty. Harsh on the U’s.
Garner stepped up and Owen Goodman went to his left (our right) and saved brilliantly. It was justice as far as I was concerned.
Chilvers was replaced by Wilkinson on 62 minutes and this was the first time that I had seen him (CW) in a U’s shirt. A real handful and DC has him playing midfield where he is both effective and an imposing figure.
Dallison came on for the hard-working Harbottle on 72 minutes together with Anderson for Fevrier. Now Jaydon Fevrier had gone off on the far side of the pitch and was walking around the long way back to the dugout. As he drew near to the faithful we all stood applauding him and I missed the agricultural challenge on McGeehan by Rawson the Morecambe centre back.
McGeehan was clearly hurt and blood was coming from a head injury. He was patched up by the physio and was adamant that he wanted to carry on. Rawson was only booked by the ref. After changing his shirt Cameron came back on and the game continued.
Morecambe huffed and puffed but were short on energy, skill and real chances. DC made his final subs on 88 minutes with Jay and Akinde on for McGeehan and Hopper respectively.
The referee managed to find 8 minutes of additional time but there were no serious concerns and we deservedly won the game.
Great scenes at the final whistle; with all the players and DC and NC taking the applause. A really nice touch was DC going first to Owen Goodman after his penalty save. Absolute class from the head coach.
A thoroughly enjoyable game from start to finish and the level of control from the team was impressive. Interestingly Ged Brannan, 37 points from 27 games believes that Morecambe can mount a play off challenge. I’m not disputing that but they will have rarely played such a good and disciplined team as the U’s this season.
Salford 29 31 Grimsby 28 28 COL U 29 28 Doncaster 28 28 Sutton 29 21 FGR 28 19
It really is 2 from 6 for the drop.
Now apart from Alex Newby joining Altrincham on a permanent basis (previously on loan) and we wish him well, we have made no additional signings and more importantly have not lost any of our star players.
We are however looking for a new head of recruitment after Ross Embleton decided to go to pastures new. We wish Ross well too.
So, this week we play host at the JCS to Cotterill’s basement team. They have re-signed Christian Doidge from Hibs. Their most prolific of strikers he will be a threat on Saturday.
This weekend coincidentally it is Green Football Weekend to raise awareness of climate change. Beware of vegan food offerings!
Now this is the ultimate 6 pointer.
DC will be looking forward to the game and so will the JCS faithful.
As I see it DC need not make any changes to the starting line up from last Saturday. I felt sorry for Owura Edwards (a player that I like) but with Fevrier in such fine form and the arrival of Harry Anderson, his opportunities might become limited.
So, a 3,4,2,1 formation. When Anderson is fully fit I expect him to start perhaps with Fevrier as two out and out wingers.
Goodman
Harbottle Hall Iandolo
Richardson Smith McGeehan Read
Chilvers Fevrier
Hopper
Subs Hornby Dallison Jay Wilkinson Edwards Anderson Akinde
Now recently I have been banging on about a 17-game unbeaten run and having checked it out this week I was wrong, it was 19 games. Between 19 November 1996 and February 1997, we went 19 games unbeaten under Steve Wignall. 11 wins and 8 draws amongst those 19 matches.
Now we are three games unbeaten and have 17 games remaining. Can lightning strike twice. Can we go for the rest of the season undefeated (20 games!) Surely only a fool would think so, but why not.
We have to play: FGR H Harrogate A Grimsby H Accrington H Sutton A Salford A Stockport H Barrow A Doncaster H Walsall H Mansfield A Newport H Tranmere A Wrexham H Crawley A Notts Co A Crewe H
Maybe four really tough games there but everyone is beatable in the league. No more of this today. Let’s see how we get on tomorrow first.
We owe FGR for the mauling inflicted in Nailsworth earlier in the season. I reckon 4-0 to the Super U’s with Smith getting on the scoresheet, Hopper, Read and Anderson (sub).
Weather will be 12 degrees Celsius, mostly cloudy but dry with a keen breeze.
A decent and expectant crowd at the JCS. Probably 4,500.
Enjoy the game and three more valuable points.
Up the Super Cowley inspired U’s
[Post edited 2 Feb 23:48]
Durham_exile
0
FGR's green credentials found wanting at the JCS by the Super U's on 09:13 - Feb 5 with 489 views
FGR's green credentials found wanting at the JCS by the Super U's on 23:13 - Feb 4 by ghughes11
A few things to add from me after watching on iFollow:
Durham - I love you, we all love you, but please adjust your formation from 3 at the back to the 4, as per the BBC report (finally they got 1 right too) we played the infamous 4-2-3-1 under the Cowleys
Chilvers - couldn't have done much more than put the ball in the back of the net. The abuse he is getting reminds me of the same abuse that Duguid received at a similar age, and it wasn't until after his almost career ending injury that fans saw the effort and commitment Dugy put in - that and his Sh!thousery! This then put him in the 'Legend' status he now sees himself in. Chilvers is only 22 - give the lad a break from the abuse please
Dave the Groundsman - yes, we know he worked miracles at Layer Rd winning many plaudits for the carpet like surface at the 'run-down' stadium - but bloomin' hell the 'god' like status he gets from some supporters at the club makes me think that the statue that Cowling suggested for Humes should instead go to Dave! Wasn't he in charge of the pitch for the infamous Southend match at the WHCS where their defender was building sandcastles in their penalty area while conceding the hilarious own-goal?!?
Completely agree regarding Chilvers. He's 22 years old and has nearly 200 appearances for the club where he's been since he was a kid. Has scored 22 goals as well yet he's treated appallingly by a small number of moronic fans. Do they really think by booing him and getting on his back it's going to help him play better? The toxicity that I've witnessed towards him this season has been pretty awful and it's no wonder that he's struggling for form right. His confidence is probably shot to pieces and he's playing with fear, not ideal for player who plays in the way he does. As mentioned with Duguid it's not the first time it's happened. Wordsworth and to some degree Halford were treated with a similar amount of disdain.
Never need an excuse to show this goal.
Was actually Wordsworth's goal as Barrett only made contact with the ground rather than the ball.
Was nearly 14 years ago to the day. It was only our second season at the stadium and the pitch was still in it's infancy plus it had been a particularly wet winter. Actually took quite a few seasons to get the pitch decent but it had remained very good until recent seasons.
FGR's green credentials found wanting at the JCS by the Super U's on 23:13 - Feb 4 by ghughes11
A few things to add from me after watching on iFollow:
Durham - I love you, we all love you, but please adjust your formation from 3 at the back to the 4, as per the BBC report (finally they got 1 right too) we played the infamous 4-2-3-1 under the Cowleys
Chilvers - couldn't have done much more than put the ball in the back of the net. The abuse he is getting reminds me of the same abuse that Duguid received at a similar age, and it wasn't until after his almost career ending injury that fans saw the effort and commitment Dugy put in - that and his Sh!thousery! This then put him in the 'Legend' status he now sees himself in. Chilvers is only 22 - give the lad a break from the abuse please
Dave the Groundsman - yes, we know he worked miracles at Layer Rd winning many plaudits for the carpet like surface at the 'run-down' stadium - but bloomin' hell the 'god' like status he gets from some supporters at the club makes me think that the statue that Cowling suggested for Humes should instead go to Dave! Wasn't he in charge of the pitch for the infamous Southend match at the WHCS where their defender was building sandcastles in their penalty area while conceding the hilarious own-goal?!?
ghughes - thank you for your request for me to change the formation.
My only defence (for my line up) is that Richardson was played more as a wing back at Morecambe and I anticipated that DC would play 3,4,3 at home with Fevrier and Anderson as two wingers to support Hopper.
Richardson in midfield with Smith Read and Chilvers.
Defence: Hall Iandolo and Harbottle.
Happy to oblige for Saturday at Harrogate (providing it is on) snow forecast for Thursday and Friday.
McGeehan should be back so DC has a decision to make in any event.
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