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Thread | Super U's to bounce back in style against Accrington at the JCS
at 09:52 4 Jan 2025
Well, all good things must come to an end. However, it was the manner of the defeat to lowly Swindon Town that hurt the most. I had predicted a 12th game unbeaten and a 3-0 Colchester victory.
In fairness to me, DC decided to tinker with our most successful run of games for years by benching our three in form players Thorn, Taylor and Edwards. I wrote at the time that it was a strange decision and so it proved. Throwing away three points against Holloway’s mob was both unnecessary and should not have happened.
Once again at 2-1 up with ten left on the clock we managed to concede two late goals including a controversial penalty (given for hand ball but what else could Flanagan do he jumped entirely normally and the ball accidentally glanced off his arm which was not in an unnatural position).
Having watched the game courtesy of Sky a draw would have been a fair result but it wasn’t to be. We must now move on and rebuild following the end of our hugely successful recent unbeaten run.
My dislike for Holloway and Swindon notwithstanding the game has gone and we must now focus on getting back to winning ways.
In an interesting thread on this site the speculation concerning January transfers is now rife. If we are to lose Samson Tovide to Peterboro then a replacement (two if possible) is desperately needed.
Alex Woodyard has gone to Sutton and we wish him well. Ellis Iandolo was unfortunately sent off late on at Swindon and misses today’s game. DC must decide on whether to bring Kells into the back four or Ben Goodliffe or Rob Hunt.
Arthur Read is still injured but Teddy Bishop is an able deputy.
However, Thorn, Taylor and Edwards simply must come back to the starting XI. They should never have been left out at Swindon.
Alfie Bendle is back from Chelmsford where he has been on loan.
The unluckiest player at the club Matt Jay must have run over scores of black cats or broken countless mirrors or walked under ladders to have been treated in this way. He must surely be moved on in this transfer window.
So, a slightly changed team to counter Iandolo’s suspension means that DC must select:
Macey
Egbo Kells Donnelly Flanagan
McDonnell Bishop
Thorn Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs
Smith Goodliffe Anderson Gordon Bendle Hunt Hopper
Danny and Nicky Cowley celebrate their first anniversary in charge at Colchester United this weekend and will be looking to right the wrongs from the County Ground debacle.
It is vital that momentum is not lost and that we secure all three points against Accrington Stanley. John Doolan’s side are also looking for points. The Swindon defeat was awful but it will not define our season. Bouncing back with a 4-1 home win today will get the pulses racing once again.
Weather in Colchester will be 2 degrees Celsius cloudy but dry. A cold January day but the U’s can enjoy the Home comforts that the JCS provides. Maybe 4,500 attendance today and a much-needed home win will restore confidence at a critical time for the U’s.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Supreme U's to defeat Robins at the County Ground to start the New Year in style
at 00:24 1 Jan 2025
DC takes his rejuvenated charges to the County Ground on New Year’s Day seeking a 12th match unbeaten.
Ian Holloway has already piled the pressure on his beleaguered side by describing the Colchester game as massive and wanting a home victory so badly.
By contrast Colchester will approach the game in exactly the same way as the previous games. Putting on a professional performance, no longer constrained by the consecutive games without conceding a goal. They overcame that challenge after Doncaster Rovers (a hugely better side than the Robins) scored and Colchester responded with a polished second half performance that could have elicited all three points.
The game is also live on Sky Sports Channel 403 at 3pm.
The weather will be challenging at the County Ground. 11 degrees Celsius but 82% precipitation (light rain) and a breezy day. It has rained all day in Durham and the wind has been strong all day today.
The good news is that Samson Tovide is likely to take some part in the game tomorrow.
Otherwise, I expect a similar team from the Doncaster game.
Macey
Egbo Flanagan Donnelly Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Thorn Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs
Tovide Gordon Anderson Hopper Kells Smith Goodliffe
I expect the U’s to dominate the game and to run out winners by 3-0.
Wouldn’t it be impressive if Lyle Taylor scored a hattrick.
Colchester 15th with 27 points from 22 games. Swindon are 21st with 21 points from 23 games.
Our initial target remains 75 points.
Enjoy the game.
Safe travelling for the faithful
Wessex enjoy the three points.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Imperious Super U's to achieve 11th unbeaten game on Sunday at the JCS
at 23:36 28 Dec 2024
Sunday sees perhaps our biggest test of the season so far when Doncaster Rovers visit the JCS.
Grant McCann and Billy Sharp have perhaps piled extra pressure on Donny Rovers by demanding a win at the JCS.
By contrast DC has a resurgent Super U’s team with the opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games on Sunday whilst Matt Macey is looking for a record eighth consecutive clean sheet.
Samson Tovide and Arthur Read remain doubtful but Teddy Bishop would be the obvious choice to replace Read.
My prediction is for a close encounter but I see the U’s coming out on top with a single goal victory over Donny Rovers and Lyle Taylor to net the vital winner.
A bumper crowd of 6,500 will enjoy the upwardly mobile U’s victory over another of the promotion contenders.
Weather 8 degrees Celsius, cloudy with little chance of precipitation and a gentle breeze.
DC is likely to opt for the following starting XI:
Macey
Egbo Flanagan Donnelly Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Thorn Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs:
Gordon Anderson Hopper Kells Smith Goodliffe Hunt
From the bench John Kymani Gordon has demonstrated his ability recently and I would expect to see him at some stage.
Pinot asked how the U’s would approach the game if they eventually concede a goal. At present I would expect to see little change. We are playing with confidence and DC has a largely settled side both of which are important aspects when it comes to protecting a lead or finding a way back into the game should we concede. I am of the opinion though that Doncaster will have to worry about our form and consistency.
Enjoy the game.
Let’s keep this run going and continue to close the gap on the top seven.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Boxing Day celebrations as Super U's make it 10 games unbeaten
at 11:47 26 Dec 2024
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy and peaceful New Year to all boarders.
The U’s can make it 10 games unbeaten today at home to the Gills.
Our recent run of 6 successive clean sheets is the first time we have achieved this since the 1991-92 season under Roy McDonough.
Incredible stats, but they mean nothing unless we can keep the advancement up the table going.
Mark Bonner brings his Gillingham side to the JCS with them sitting in 10th position with 30 points from 20 games.
DC has the U’s in 17th position with 23 points from their 20 games.
Our last six games in all competitions W D W W D D
The weather today at the JCS will be 8 degrees Celsius with light cloud, light wind and 0% precipitation. Ideal for football.
A big crowd expected – possibly 6,500.
The game is also televised live on Sky Sports + at 3pm
Now a gentle reminder that my prediction this season was a top seven finish and that remains the aim. In order to achieve it the U’s must be looking for 75 points meaning another 52 points from their last 26 games (two points per game is promotion form!)
Anyway, let’s not get ahead of ourselves (come on it’s Christmas, a time for miracles).
With four games in quicks succession; today, then Doncaster Home on Sunday 29th, Swindon Away on New Years Day and then Accrington Stanley at home on Saturday 4 January the squad must be employed but DC will want the unbeaten run to continue.
Today Flanagan and Egbo are back, Samson Tovide is doubtful as a starter but otherwise apart from Milton Oni we are virtually at full strength.
So, team
Macey
Egbo Flanagan Donnelly Iandolo
Payne McDonnell Read
Thorn Taylor Edwards
Subs
Smith, Kells Bishop Gordon Tovide Anderson Goodliffe
A strong team performance and a 2-0 home win will not only send the faithful home content but also keep the unbeaten run going and prepares us for the tough Doncaster game.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Exiles to be defeated at the JCS by resurgent DC's Blue and White Army
at 09:12 14 Dec 2024
Fresh from our latest success, an impressive victory over Wimbledon on Tuesday night in the Vertu Trophy DC looks to maintain their unbeaten run to eight games and to overtake today’s opposition with a victory at fortress JCS.
Nelson Jardim brings his Exiles from South Wales sitting in 17th place with 22 points from 18 games whilst Colchester remain 18th with 21 points from 18 games.
Colchester weather will be 6 degrees Celsius, dry, partly sunny with a slight breeze.
Another busy day today means another truncated preview.
Colchester to win 3-0 with Lyle Taylor again on target.
Team:
Macey
Egbo Flanagan Donnelly Iandolo
Thorn McDonnell Payne Edwards
Taylor Tovide
Subs;
Smith Hunt Read Gordon Sandah Kells Bishop
Although close to Christmas, recent results means that we might see 5,000 at the JCS roaring the Super U’s onto another fine victory.
Enjoy the game
Up the U’s
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Thread | Match off
at 11:42 7 Dec 2024
Unfortunately today's game has been called off owing to damage to a scoreboard.
Spectator and player safety clearly paramount and rightly so.
Safe journey home for the faithful who were clearly en route.
Up the U's |
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Thread | Harrogate v Gainsborough FA Cup
at 21:13 29 Nov 2024
Currently 1-0 to the league side.
But attendance is 4,010. Harrogate's largest since 1950 at this stadium.
Keenly contested game.
FT 1-0 [Post edited 29 Nov 2024 21:47]
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Thread | Cod Army gutted to lose to the Super U's in classic encounter
at 18:01 29 Nov 2024
Tomorrow sees DC take his U’s side to Highbury Stadium – the home of the Cod Army.
Now I must resist the temptation to opine that we will batter them and that they’ve had their chips or that they will be filleted by the Super U’s.
Charlie Adam’s side are 13th with 21 points from 14 games (2 games in hand on most clubs) whilst we are 20th with 17 points from 16 games.
Brendan Wiredu a former U’s favourite might be fit to face his old side.
Now once again the game is on Sky TV with a 12:30hrs kick off and so I am going to watch the game on the TV. I have no real excuse but that is the way it is tomorrow.
Of course, the last time I went to Highbury Stadium was 25 April 2015 where the attendance was 3,129 and on 83 minutes we were 2-1 down and heading for relegation.
However, Gavin Massey drew us level on 84 minutes and in a frantic finale Chris Porter scored a penalty in front of the faithful (he was super cool when it really mattered). We won 3-2 and cue jubilant scenes from the faithful. We also survived that season, only to be relegated the following season.
Tomorrow at Fleetwood the weather will be 12 degrees Celsius, cloudy with a 22% chance of precipitation and a keen breeze.
Make sure you take some Fisherman’s Friends which are made by the Lofthouse Company in Fleetwood ( you pass the factory on the way to the ground).
Now after the euphoria of the first Away win of the season at a wet and windy Blundell Park (the weather was horrendous and fair play to the faithful who battled the elements to witness the great win), the forecast suggests that conditions will be marginally better at Highbury Stadium.
It was also no accident that DC was able to field almost his strongest side.
I would go with the following tomorrow:
Definitely the best back four at the club. Then if fit I would like to see Oscar Thorn and Owura Edwards as the wide players with McDonnell and Payne in midfield. TnT up front.
Macey
Egbo Goodliffe Donnelly Iandolo
Thorn McDonnell Payne Edwards
Tovide Taylor
Subs
Smith Flanagan Anderson Read Gordon Woodyard Bishop
And this is the problem that DC has still no place for Kells within that lineup and squad.
Anyway, we will see how bold DC is with his selection.
Back-to-back Away wins. You better believe it. The U’s are on their way up.
Scoreline another win and in an open game a 3-2 U’s win with a scorcher from Egbo and TnT to bag the other two.
Safe journey to the travelling faithful.
Enjoy the game and Up the U’s
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Thread | Mariners all at sea against the DC inspired super U's
at 22:38 22 Nov 2024
Well, I was truly amazed to look at the League Two table and saw Grimsby Town in 7th position; 16 games played and 25 points. We of course have 14 points from 15 games and languish in 21st. David Artell is working wonders with the Mariners.
Also, for the first time since I don’t know when I’m not travelling to Cleethorpes and so will miss out on Gerry’s company and Papas fish n chips.
A combination of Sky TV, impending weather, babysitting duties means that I will watch another game on Sky.
The all-important weather forecast suggests 10 degrees Celsius, light rain and occasional snow showers. Not pleasant.
Also, Grimsby had a number of outdoor Christmas festivities planned but have had to either postpone them or move them indoors. Storm Bert has put paid to some of these activities. All in all, very sad indeed.
So, for those faithful CUSA members and others safe journey and I hope you enjoy the game. I’m going for a 2-1 Colchester victory with Tovide and Taylor on the scoresheet.
DC will be looking to field a strong team in order to secure that elusive Away win.
Sad news from Peterboro where Bradley Ihionvien faces two months on the sidelines following a freak injury and a bone growing where it apparently shouldn’t be. Get well soon Bradley.
We have also drawn Wimbledon in the BSM knock out stage. A chance for revenge after the opening day defeat.
So how bold will DC be on a shocking day weatherwise in Lincolnshire.
If they are all fit then let’s line up something like this:
Macey
Egbo Goodliffe Donnelly Iandolo
Thorn McDonnell Payne Edwards
Tovide Taylor
Subs
Smith Flanagan Hopper Anderson Read Gordon Woodyard
Safe journey to the travelling faithful.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Bantams to chicken out at the JCS against the Colchester Eagles
at 22:22 15 Nov 2024
Tomorrow is the battle of the goalkeepers Sam Walker who is 6ft 6ins, (but we reckon he’s eight feet tall) and Matt Macey who is a more realistic 6ft 7ins tall.
Graham Alexander brings his Bantams into Town with a string of indifferent recent results and they will be looking to put things right at the JCS. Whilst the Super U’s fresh from their point at Barrow and handsome victory over Arsenal U21’s on Tuesday will be looking to build on that morale boosting victory.
I drove the 80 miles last weekend to Barrow and for 91 minutes thought that it would be a repeat of recent defeats at Holker Street but then brilliance from Thorn, Tovide and Taylor and we were level and taking a deserved point home.
DC lined up
Gordon
Taylor Macey
Hunt Flanagan Donnelly Iandolo
Woodyard McDonnell
Anderson Payne
Subs Egbo (for Hunt 36) Goodliffe Hopper Read Smith Thorn (for Anderson 79) Tovide (for Woodyard 70)
We started brightly and should have been 1-0 up early doors but Gordon couldn’t hit the side of a Renault Espace and the chance went begging. Then Barrow scored a decent volleyed goal and we all thought he we go (again). I am still unsure just how many of the faithful travelled. I reckon about 100 but I have seen differing figures.
But it was the same old fear factor, we played backwards and sideways passes, with Hunt, Flanagan and Gordon the worst offenders.
Hunt was injured and the excellent Egbo came on after 36 minutes. HT and it was still 1-0. The temperature was dropping and the makeshift stand which affords the most unbelievably appalling view with supports, floodlight pylons and advertising hoardings all playing their part in obscuring the view.
I preferred it when we were at the far end of the ground (where the Barrow Ultra racists stand).
Second half proceeded in similar vein until the 70th minute when Samson Tovide came on for Woodyard. At last, some attacking intent and Taylor had some support in the final third. Things improved still more when the pacy Thorn came on after 79 minutes for Anderson. Then we had real pace down the right flank and an equaliser looked possible.
When it came it was sublime a great move involving Thorn, great pace and strength from Tovide and an inviting cross for Lyle Taylor to sweep into the net on 92 minutes.
We deserved it and the timewasting from Barrow had backfired. If only the referee had been more accommodating to Samson but it seems he is not only a marked man by defenders but also the referees union.
Tuesday night I relied on Sky Sport + unlike the 4,265 who gave the JCS great atmosphere.
DC lined up
Smith
Egbo Donnelly Goodliffe Iandolo
Anderson Payne McDonnell Read
Hopper Thorn
Subs Harrison Chamberlain Flanagan (for Iandolo 46) Woodyard (for McDonnell 62) Taylor Sandah (for Anderson 62) Oliver Godziemski (for Payne 82)Rashaad Drysdale for Egbo 82)
Now this was a game that I really enjoyed. From the outset we were at the races. Arsenal youngsters weren’t allowed to dwell on the ball, we adopted a high press and committed bodies forward. This was surely the football that DC and NC were brought in to adopt for our club.
A flowing move with the excellent Thorn and near passes resulted in Hopper sweeping home after 16 minutes. Anderson scored a second just before half time and the imperious Egbo scored a magnificent third on 50 minutes. Egbo is every bit as good as Junior Tchamadeu and when he goes forward things happen. My only fear is that the vultures will be circling come January.
It was a comprehensive victory against a Premier League U21 side but we never let them play at all.
So, what happens tomorrow when the Bantams are in Town. DC will play a team more akin to the Barrow game. He will play Anderson and probably Gordon and start Flanagan. However, let’s be bold and imaginative and go with:
Macey
Egbo Donnelly Goodliffe Iandolo
Read Payne Woodyard
Thorn Tovide Taylor
Subs
Smith Flanagan Anderson Gordon McDonnell Sandah Hopper
I’m going for a 2-1 Colchester win with Taylor and Tovide on the scoresheet.
Weather 11 degrees Celsius light cloud with a gentle breeze.
Decent crowd possibly 5,500 (1000 from Bradford).
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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