Saturday was my first visit to Spotland and notwithstanding the result it was a thoroughly good day. The A1 and M62 behaved themselves and I managed to find some off street parking within a reasonable distance.
The ground was good and clearly has been greatly improved in recent years. The away supporters are treated to arguably the best stand in the stadium (the Westrose Leisure Stand) and enjoy a view from the half way line, which takes a little getting used to and means that the home supporters enjoy the luxury of occupying both ends behind the goals in the TDS and Thwaites Beer Stands, the latter is all standing. A shame therefore that only 3,016 witnessed the spectacle.
The pitch was superb and as is customary now receives a lot of water prior to and at half time.
Mention too must be made of the facilities for the away supporters. Catering facilities were excellent. Possibly the best meat and potato pie I have enjoyed at any football ground and at £2 an absolute bargain from Clayton Park.
From the time I arrived and bought a programme to departing the ground all the stewards, programme sellers and other matchday staff were pleasant and obliging. This alone makes for a very good matchday experience.
The faithful were in good voice throughout and have clearly taken Andy Bond to their hearts.
The U's were unchanged with the excellent Mark Cousins in goal and a backline of Brian Wilson (all the Beach Boys gags have now been worn out), Paul Reid, Magnus Okuonghae and Marc Tierney. Captain Kem Izzet, Andy Bond and David Perkins make up the midfield and Ian Henderson, Anthony Wordsworth and the very hardworking Dave Mooney comprise the strikeforce. In fairness both Henderson and Woody are expected to track back and help out the midfield but it seems a well balanced formation.
Now John Ward has introduced a freshness to the play and the passing and more positive style of football has returned. I do not want to get into comparisons but last season I can't recall any of the faithful chanting Mr Boothroyd's name whereas the John Ward's balmy army was in good voice throughout.
I was impressed with the new additions to the team. Wilson despite his habit of appearing to lean into the winger when defending offered a style of play which will cement his position as the right back and will keep Johnny White on his toes. Andy Bond is clearly a crowd favourite and in fairness I thought had enjoyed a rather quite spell in the first half but he certainly knows where the goal is and should achieve the manager's goal target this season on this showing.
David Perkins played the best 75 minutes of football that I have seen from him and although he tired and was replaced by Lee Beevers, he looked sharp. The generous applause when he left the field came as much from the home supporters, suggesting he is still held in high regard.
Dave Mooney for me had a great game. He offers far greater mobility than we ever saw from Clive Platt and he puts in tremendous effort and commitment. John Ward also made the substitution at exactly the right time. With 15 minutes to go a number of fans were thinking about a change to the centre forward but the manager chose not to be forced into a change and this turned out to be the turning point because with 84 minutes on the clock it was Dave Mooney who received the ball, turned superbly and played a killer pass through for Hendo to score what turned out to be the winner.
On this form, Colchester could do a lot worse that to prise him away from Reading after Christmas. On a final Mooney note - his volleyed goal at Edgar Street was “Van Basten esque”. No wonder the faithful sing “Who needs Wayne Rooney, we've got Dave Mooney” priceless.
Most improved player - Ian Henderson - involved in our best attacking moves, showed commitment throughout and was very unlucky not to have scored a hat trick with a fierce deflected drive and a sublime chip against the bar.
At the back Paul Reid looked serene and strong whilst Magnus perhaps is not yet back to his best. Rio is however an able deputy. Tierney still offers a strong and combative style of attacking full back but still goes missing on occasions when the opposition are on the attack and must watch this part of his game.
Kayode Odejayi is powerful and although only allowed a few minutes game time because of the excellent Mooney, looked to be back to a better level of fitness and might be employed for longer at the Stadium of Light.
Another positive from Saturday, no bookings from either side and the Referee generally had a good game.
Although it is early days Colchester are revitalised under John Ward and the signs are there for an encouraging season. With John Joe O'Toole to return after Christmas, it will be like having a new midfield player at a time when his craft and invention will be required.
Make no mistake Rochdale are a good honest side who like to get the ball down and play, we will face tougher challenges this season but equally not too many sides will take maximum points from Spotland.
Up the U's