Real U's:1 Fake U's:1

The only strange creatures at Abbey last night were the visiting fans as Championship side (I know, it doesn’t sound right at all) Colchester United rolled in to town with a trio of ex-U’s in tow – the good (Danny Granville), the bad (Luke Guttridge), and the ugly hair-cutted (Jamie Guy).

Lee Boylan’s celebrity strike partner of the day was Nicky Ward from Welsh league side TNS, while behind the front pair it was another mix and match team fielded by the U’s, with Mark Albrighton taking the captains arm band in the continuing absence of Danny Brown.

The real U’s made a much more positive start than against Plymouth, although it has to be said that the Essex boys were far less impressive than our opponents on Saturday. Despite being totally one-footed, Stephen Reed displayed good energy and passing from the left wing back position, and it was his fantastic diagonal pass that created the opening goal. Boylan was on to it in a flash, and finished brilliantly, half volleying the ball past Dean Gerken from the edge of the area.

Boylan continued to impress, being denied another shot at goal by a last ditch tackle and then trundling one wide after good link up play with Dan Gleeson and Hunt. The Welshman looked off the pace at times, but showed a few good touches and some intelligent running that would suggest he is worth another look.

For Colchester Kevin Lisbie and Clive Platt were denied by good saves from Danny Potter, although the latter should really have given the keeper no chance. United’s defence was looking more solid than in the previous two games, with Albrighton and Michael Morrison looking cool under pressure and Gavin Hoyte continuing his gradual improvement.

The second half brought a raft of substitutions, including the introduction of Guttridge and Guy for the visitors. The latter received a hero’s welcome while the former was left in no doubt as to what the Newmarket Road End thought of his ‘contribution’ towards our unsuccessful battle against relegation from the league in 04/05.

Unfortunately chances were not as common as substitutions, and the match looked to be meandering towards a narrow triumph for the hosts until Colchester scored ten minutes from time. A cross from the right ran through to Anthony Wordsworth, who swung his boot at it and saw the ball roll into the corner via the post.

There was still time for United to almost score a winner, when sub Scott Rendell headed in a Reed free kick but was denied by a dubious looking offside decision.

This was another generally promising performance from United, with encouraging signs in all areas of the field. For me the biggest problem with pre-season so far is the constant chopping and changing of the line up. While I realise Jimmy had to try out all his players at some stage, it would be nice to think that he knows what he thinks is his best team and that we will see them all on the pitch at the same time at some stage.

Man of the Match: Lee Boylan – Good link up play, plenty of shots, and a fantastic goal to top it all. Now all we need is a decent partner for him.


Boylan

Big arse of the Match: George Elokobi – The stocky Col U defender has a booty so big that it would put Beyoncé to shame. Not that I was looking of course.


Elokobi?