Never in doubt – brilliant warm sunshine, superb performance, magnificent support, overwhelming celebratory scenes at the end. No it was not May 2006 at Huish Park but April 2013 at Brunton Park.

Now after a season that many will describe as abysmal the U’s secured not only the point that they required for survival at Carlisle but a handsome and entirely deserved victory.

The truth is that this should not have been a “Staying Up” party but a Play Off or Promotion Party. But to indicate the fine dividing lines between success and failure, the fact that Swindon did in fact roll over in the last 10 minutes (the penalty they conceded was obviously for the benefit of a Far Eastern betting syndicate) indicates that we had to secure at least a point and the victory was all the sweeter in front of 364 of the most fanatical, faithful aficionados ever assembled to watch the super U’s. We easily drowned out the home support which numbered 5063 out of 5427!

Yes we can celebrate now but yesterday morning (despite predicting a 2-0 U’s win) I was definitely concerned. The weather in Durham had been poor with hail stones and even a hint of snow. An accident on the A66 had delayed some of the travelling faithful and as I journeyed towards Penrith I saw a number of Cumbrian supporters heading towards the ground. The nerves were jangling (just a little).

Closer to the ground and the traffic became heavier and this was at 1245 hrs. It seemed that everyone wanted to be early to see the U’s. Now the only disappointment was that we missed Robbie Cowling. We waited at the ground until 1310 hrs and then went for lunch at the Lakeland Gate. He must have arrived in the intervening period.

Now full marks to Carlisle (car parking only £2.50, compare that with the £10 that I paid at the Ricoh Arena) and as always we received a friendly welcome.

It was good to see Wessex outside the ground having driven in the end because British Rail couldn’t have got him home before Sunday morning! It must be the “Age of the Train” as Jimmy Saville used to advertise!

So inside the ground at 1415 hrs just in time to see the players come out to warm up. A small but vocal band of supporters were already in situ and JD had decided to line up 4-5-1.

Walker

Wilson (Capt) Magnus Eastman White

Massey Bean Wright (David) Clifford Porter

Ibehre

Subs: Cousins, Garmston, O’Toole, Izzet, Sears, Bond, Smith

As disappointed as I was to see Freddie Sears on the bench (and not in the starting XI), I was delighted to see Marcus Bean back in the team.

Now the Colchester support yesterday was simply magnificent – 364 sang, cajoled, encouraged, joked, laughed, and even cried during the game. Now the game got off to the best possible start when Drey Wright, Clinton Morrison, Josh Thompson and Matt Heath sat with the supporters. Clinton of course received a suitable ovation; he really is a crowd favourite.

Sam Walker – “He’s 7 feet tall, He’s 7 feet tall, our boy Sam Walker, he’s 7 feet tall” he has truly emerged as a real favourite with the faithful. Can he return next season for a promotion push, I do hope so.

Uniquely at Brunton Park - “Olga” the Cumbrians Vixen Mascot brings out a stuffed fox and deposits it on the Centre Circle shortly before kickoff. I suppose it could equally be an Eddie Stobart juggernaut!

The Brunton Park pitch was immaculate and it is not difficult to see why it wins awards for the quality of the grass. The surface really resembled the start of the season not the end. Full credit to the grounds men.

The teams emerged and blue and white balloons and streamers cascaded down onto the lower seating and the pitch. Not seen since the Cup runs of the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

The U’s started the game brightly, Massey was very evident on the left side of midfield and both he and Ibehre had early sighters at the Carlisle goal. Of course there were nerves, Magnus managed to play some high wide and not very handsome clearances and even Sam Walker found touch twice in the first half from goal kicks. But the U’s looked more inventive than the Cumbrians and took the game to their hosts from the off.

Bean, White, Massey and Ibehre combined well with some neat interchanges and we looked keen and enthusiastic. Clifford also saw a lot of the ball early on.

The first 19 minutes passed quickly and then Carlisle had two prolonged periods for injuries and the referee suddenly seemed to favour the home team. Still Walker was untroubled and most of the goal mouth action was at the Cumbrians’ end.

After 37 minutes Billy Clifford was unlucky not to win a penalty when his cross definitely struck an arm but Mr Boyeson was unmoved.

So three extra minutes before half time and the ground atmosphere was one of contrasts, three sides resembled a library and the Col U corner was loud with more decibels than a number of jet engines.

Hot drinks and burgers were the order of the day. With only one queue for food, we missed the start of the second half and what a tremendous half it was to prove to be.

The expected Carlisle threat did not materialise and Colchester once again looked the more assertive and determined team. Colchester were attacking the waterworks end where the stanchions and terracing were festooned with mainly Colchester flags and banners, but a couple of Cumbrian flags were also present.

The faithful were matching the players’ inventiveness and effort by cranking up the volume still further until after 65 minutes they reached a natural crescendo. Billy Clifford struck the bar with a fierce shot and as it bounced down the lively Gavin Massey headed the ball goal wards and it seemed to be spinning so that once it bounced the deviation took it nicely toward the far post where it nestled in the back of the Carlisle net. Cue wild celebrations, the faithful were bouncing and many had removed their shoes to add to the colourful scene.

George Porter who had largely spectated in the first half on the right wing found his game in the second and was also instrumental in the making of the goal. He was substituted shortly afterwards however after deciding to sit in the centre of the pitch after being fouled. He was replaced by Bradley Garmston on 70 minutes. Now there was daylight between the teams and the U’s deservedly had the lead.

If there was any doubt about the U’s intent they were firmly squashed by more inventive play and a delightful lofted cross from David Wright which Tom Eastman superbly headed back and into the Carlisle net on 80 minutes. 2-0 surely game over.

The word filtered through that the Robins had taken the lead at Glanford Park. More delirious celebrations followed.

JD substituted the excellent Billy Clifford on 82 minutes and John Joe O’Toole came on (note to JD, please keep him at Colchester). The hard working Marcus Bean was replaced by Kem Izzet on 84 minutes.

Sam Walker who (sometimes theatrically) caught crosses and attempts on goal then made a really impressive save to deny Liam Noble's well struck free kick and that effectively was that. An extra four minutes were safely negotiated and then the celebrations could begin in earnest (whoever he is!).

The faithful sang “The U’s are staying up, the U’s are staying Up and now you’re gonna believe us, the U’s are staying up.“

Great scenes on and off the pitch as the players took the applause and responded by throwing their shirts to the supporters. Eastman, Izzet, Bond, O’Toole and Sears’s shirts disappeared into grateful hands. The biggest cheer was for Sam Walker’s gloves that were eagerly accepted by the masses.

Mark Kinsella, Dave Carolan, Tony Flynn and a number of Directors also joined in the celebrations along with the Chairman Robbie Cowling (fresh from his cycle ride from Colchester). Joe Dunne strangely didn’t milk the applause, he came only so far across the pitch waved and then retreated. Perhaps he feels that after the poor season, no celebrations were in order, but the relief from all was palpable.

I have to say that I felt sorry for the Carlisle players who were due to have a lap of honour, but the vast majority of their supporters had already left the stadium.

The news of Scunny’s win did not actually filter through, it was irrelevant anyway. Swindon rolled over as predicted but Colchester’s professional, polished performance ensured that any result from Glanford Park was academic.

The players restored much pride yesterday. It was a deserved win. The first half was very much containing but second half saw an adventurous U’s team control the game and score two goals without reply. The double was achieved over Greg Abbott’s side. 51 points was enough but so would 49 have been. We finished on 59 last season.

Sam Walker did everything asked of him. He comfortably saved the free kick but it was a measure of the U’s possession and control that he was rarely tested. Brian Wilson despite recent criticism I thought had an excellent match and showed that the Captaincy has not overawed him. Magnus and Tom Eastman after a quiet start were dominating in the centre of defence. Johnny White tended to drift inside but was solid at the back.

Midfield George Porter was quiet first half but made some telling runs in the second. Marcus Bean was everywhere and complemented the inventive Billy Clifford. David Wright showed no ill effects from his concussion two weeks ago and made the second goal. Gavin Massey was positive from the outset and he should go on more of the mazy type runs that he is very good at making. He should be an asset next season.

Up front Jabo Ibehre is one of the most hardworking footballers I have ever seen. His commitment is total and some of his footwork for a big man is so skilful. We need a 20 goal a season man to complement him and the play offs are definitely on next season.

Bradley Garmston has a really bright future ahead of him (in the premier league). He gave a ten minute cameo from left sided midfield and some of his crosses were sublime. I was please to see John Joe O’Toole feature albeit for a few minutes. Don’t let him go to the Gas. It was also fitting that Kem Izzet at least saw some action after a season of niggling injuries.

So everyone was a hero yesterday and we deserved to stay in league one. It will be good to return to Molineux again next season and I look, forward to visiting Ashton Gate as well.

Plenty of Southern and Northern grounds as well so something for Wessex and Gerry to enjoy.

Much to consider, who is staying and who is leaving. Can we yet secure another striker. But today is all about reflecting on the marvellous win that kept the U’s up and in some style.

Enjoy the summer, we start again in August.

Well done JD and the boys.

Up the U’s

Photo: Action Images

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