East Men’s League

Premier B

COLCHESTER tasted defeat in the sweltering heat in Suffolk. Colchester went into the game in high spirits after last week’s impressive win at home, however it was the home side that started the game the better and had Colchester on the back foot.

The home side took the lead in the first half from a penalty corner. A worked move saw the ball moved to the left and then slapped to the back post for a deflection.

The hosts were unlucky not to be two goals up from another penalty corner. The first effort was saved and the rebound was swiped in, however the umpire had already blown for a dangerous ball, and the goal was ruled out and another Penalty Corner awarded, which Colchester saw to safety.

Colchester only created one meaningful chance in the first half, when a through ball from Rohan Khaira found Matt Brown, whose reverse stick flick effort went wide of the post.

Colchester improved in the second half and created more chances and winning a couple of penalty corners, Matt Brown’s dragflick and Rohan Khaira’s hit were both saved by the home keeper.

It was the hosts though that extended their advantage. Mark Kennedy was caught in possession in the Colchester ‘D’ and the Harleston forward pushed the ball towards goal, where Tim Wright deflected the ball into his own net, with another Harleston forward waiting on the back post.

With the game drawing on Colchester pushed a man forward from defence into midfield, and the tactic initially paid off. Joe Rich made a good run into the ‘D’ and got his shot off, which went in off the post. Initially the umpire failed to award the goal, as she believed that Rich had shot from outside the ‘D’, however after consulting with her colleague, the goal was awarded and Colchester had a foothold back in the match.

It was not to be though for the visitors as they pushed forward in the final minute, Rohan Khaira was caught in possession and the home side broke quickly, moving the ball and the Colchester defence about, with a man unmarked on the back post, the ball was passed past the advancing Jack Gardner and touched home.

Colchester had battled hard and almost got something out of the game, although they were indebted to the Ellisons Solicitors Man of The Match, Jack Gardner in the Colchester goal that the score line was not greater with a fine performance and a number of great saves.

COLCHESTER ROUND-UP

The second XI continue to find life hard in Division 3SE as they went down narrowly against local rivals Clacton, losing 1-0 at home. The XI got their first win of the season, running out 3-0 winners against Phoenix second XI at home, with the goals coming from Andy Bryant (2) and Nick Gibbs. The fourth XI tasted defeat for the first time, going down 4-0 away against Thurrock third XI.