Colchester 1 City of Peterborough II 0

NE14 Hockey East League

Premier B

Colchester 1 City of Peterborough II 0

Colchester ended a run of five games without a win with an assured performance at home to second placed Peterborough.

Colchester welcomed back Mark Thorogood and Craig Warriner into the side as they looked to improve on the last two weeks draws.

Colchester started brightly and it was difficult to tell which side was flying high in the league.

Colchester's first chance came as the ball was squared to Matt Brown, but some poor control meant that he was unable to get his shot off.

Colchester were pushing hard and were unlucky not to have taken the lead after 15 minutes. A free hit from Rohan Khaira was deflected in the air with Will Devitt on had to fire the ball goalwards, however the Peterborough goalkeeper pulled off a great save to deny the Colchester midfielder.

Colchester's chances continued to come with Low, Pearce, Warriner all going close form a penalty corner and Kennedy firing just wide after a brilliant run by Warriner.

Peterborough's best chances of the half came from penalty corners, one hitting the post and another producing a fine save from the imperious Liam Phillips in the Colchester goal.

Colchester finally broke the deadlock just before half time. Khaira picked up a stray pass in midfield before releasing Brown, who drove into the 'D' before being fouled for a penalty corner for the hosts.

Colchester tried a variation this time, which worked brilliantly. Brown slipped the ball right to Khaira, who unleashed a shot towards the left post, where Brian Barker was on hand to deflect the ball home.

Peterborough upped their game in the second half but some good defending by Colchester kept the visitors out.

Once again Peterborough's best chances came from penalty corners, with Liam Phillips keeping Colchester ahead on a number of occasions.

These saves proved to be crucial as Colchester were unable to extend their advantage, despite late chances from Brown and Khaira. Brown drag flicking just wide of the right hand post from a penalty corner and Khaira unable to beat the keeper after a slick move involving Brown, Warriner and Khaira.

Colchester can be more than happy with their performance as once again they battled hard and got a good result.

Hills Residential Man of the Match was Liam Phillips for his outstanding saves that kept Colchester in the lead.