Colchester United writer, CARL MARSTON, recalls his first-ever trip to Carlisle, 25 years ago, when Roy McDonough’s side won 2-0 at Brunton Park on March 20, 1993.

Fred Barber was crowned a hero, on his Colchester United debut, as the U’s took all three points from this mammoth trip to Cumbria.

Experienced custodian Barber, on a month’s loan from Peterborough United, did not put a foot wrong against woeful Carlisle.

He made a couple of fine saves in the second half, and showed a safe pair of hands when dealing with crosses all afternoon.

And as soon as referee Ken Redfern had blown the final whistle, Barber raced over to the U’s travelling supporters to salute them, wearing his trademark old man’s mask!

Player-manager McDonough was more than satisfied with his new keeper’s performance.

McDonough enthused: “Fred will be a real asset over the next month. His experience will rub off on the younger players and now we have three talkers in the team – me, Robbo (defender Paul Roberts) and Fred.”

A glorious volley from midfielder Jason Cook put the U’s ahead in the 23rd minute, against David McCreery’s Carlisle side.

And home defender Darren Edmonson then steered Steve McGavin’s cross past his own keeper for the U’s second goal on 38 minutes, to cement the Essex club’s place in mid-table.

COLCHESTER: Barber, Betts, Roberts, Kinsella, Flowers, Hopkins, Cook (sub Ball, 80), Bennett, McDonough (sub Abrahams, 80), McGavin, Smith.

Attendance: 3,003