Let us be clear this was not a 5-1 game. OK the scoreline will be recorded as such but Colchester were not four goals worse than a Burton team who had 5 shots on target and scored 5. Whilst the U's had 7 shots and only 2 on target and that I'm afraid is our problem. Profligacy in front of goal.

Our first visit to the Pirelli stadium on a shocking day reminiscent of the Port Vale game last season. Burton's ground is not dissimilar to the Cod Army's at Fleetwood. An impressive stand and then in the Pirelli case three sides of standing. A capacity of just over 6,000 and on Saturday 2,893 hardy souls and about 200 of the faithful had turned up to see the start of a new era for Col U.

The warm up before kick off seemed to have more intensity - Wayne Brown and John McGreal were evident and the players despite the conditions were keen to impress.

A very warm welcome was given to Richard Brindley (very sorely missed recently).

Team

Jones

Brindley Kent Eastman Briggs

Harriott Gilbey Edwards Moncur Massey

Porter

Subs:

Parish Ambrose Sordell Elokobi Wright Szmodics Lapslie

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink patrolled the touchline (waiting for the telephone call from West London) and it was Colchester who were off to a flyer. The lively Massey won the ball and sent over a delightful cross which was poorly cleared straight to Harriott who lashed a shot from outside the box into the far corner of the net.

And for 20 minutes it was the U's in the ascendancy, but they needed a second goal. The rain eased slightly and referee Mr Toner (a cartridge short of a printer) harshly ruled that Harriott had fouled his man just outside the penalty area.

The free kick on 25 mins was taken by Nasser El Khayati (who had been moaning throughout the half to anyone who wanted to listen). Jones has lined up too far to the right and the wall had left a gap to the left. Result Khayati bent the ball around the wall and along the ground and into the goal before Jones could react. 1-1 and the U's could certainly feel hard done by.

Worse was to come. On 34 mins Duffy hit a shot that was wickedly deflected over Jones by Edwards and the U's were 2-1 down.

Jones then managed to find touch on the halfway line with a clearance and was fouly berated by one of the faithful (who had enjoyed a liquid lunch). Jones reacted angrily and went off clearly annoyed at the half time interval.

Now although the faithful are frustrated, the player's confidence is low and this was not helpful to the shot stopper.

So 2-1 at half time - the tea had been almost undrinkable before the game so I opted for a hot chocolate and whilst queuing we were moved out of the way by an over officious steward whilst Essex Police were speaking to an elder statesman of the faithful about his over zealous language in the first half. Emotions were running high.

Fair to say the U's were unlucky to be behind and of course worse was to come when in the 51 st minute they went three one down courtesy of Naylor and an unlucky deflection from Kent.

Now I thought even at 3-1 the U's were playing the better football. The conditions had deteriorated however and the rain was now coming down horizontally blown by an increasing wind.

U's mad the first change on 60 mins with the excellent Richard Brindley making way for Marvin Sordell.

Callum Harriott was very unlucky on 64 mins to see his shot strike the post and roll along the goal line and out for a goal kick. Had the arrears been reduced then the unthinkable was on.

George Moncur was playing with purpose and industry and was unlucky to see an effort go close.

Sammy Szmodics replaced Gavin Massey on 72 mins. A sensible move given Massey's recent injury.

However the Us defence is the pres ent that keeps giving and a smart Burton move was finished by Lucas Akins and after 73 mins the game was all over.

Some of the faithful near me sang "We're shite and we're sick of it" Some walked out.

The fifth goal with Tiele having the freedom of the far post to head past Jones came on 81 mins.

The final whistle brought some boos from he faithful and shouts of "what a load of rubbish"

The players had put in a shift. The effort was clear to see. 49 goals conceded in 20 games says it all unfortunately.

What is clear to me is that we need an appointment from outside. There are 4 teams worse than Colchester in this league but we cannot afford to keep conceding in such large numbers otherwise Altrincham will create an upset next week and the Tykes will also win at the WHCS.

Having spent the weekend in the West Midlands recuperating I await this week's developments.

I hope that the Doog's number is on RC's speed dial.

Up the U's

Photo: Action Images

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