NE14Hockey East League
Division One
St Ives 1 Colchester 2
Colchester continued their winning streak courtesy of a late goal away to mid-table St Ives.
The visitors, who made three changes going into the game, started well and should have had an early lead with Rohan Khaira, Richard Sexton and Edwin Cawthorn all guilty of mis-hitting shots when well placed in the circle.
St Ives started to get a foothold in the game and began to dominate possession for long periods, and at times Colchester were camped in their own half.
Despite their dominance the hosts created little in terms of clear cut changes but Colchester were thankful to keeper' Jason Wilkins who made a couple of smart stops.
Colchester always looked dangerous on the break and a sprawling Matt Brown was inches away from converting a cross from the energetic Cawthorn.
Brown was also unlucky to see a short corner drag flick saved on the line by a St Ives defender as the sides went in level at the break.
Colchester started the second half well, as they now began to dominate possession, and took the lead when Richard Bran found Brown in the circle, who turned and calmly and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
St Ives hit back and equalized from a scrambled short corner.
The visitors pushed forward looking for the win but neither side were able to create many clear cut chances and the game looked to heading for a draw.
With two minutes remaining Colchester had their winner as Khaira picked up the ball outside the 25 and went on a mazy run, beating the three defenders before pushing the ball past the advancing keeper into the goal.
There was still time for St Ives to go close, but again Wilkins was on hand to deny the home forward coming of his line bravely and Colchester held on for a vital three points.
Colchester now lie third in the table and entertain league leaders Upminster this Saturday who are one point ahead.
Jason Wilkins was named The Mersea Homes man of the match for his excellent goalkeeping.
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