East Men’s League

Division One

COLCHESTER’S lead at the top of the East League Division One was cut to just one point by their host St Ives. Colchester knew that a win would see them pull away from St Ives and make their position at the top of the table more secure.

The home side started at a good pace and made it difficult to Colchester to get into any rhythm early in the match. As the half wore on Colchester came into the game more and more and creating problems for the St Ives defence.

Midway through the half Colchester took the lead. Rohan Khaira and Joe Rich pressed the St Ives midfield and won the ball. Joe Rich played the ball forward to Jack Devitt on the left who took the ball to the goal-line. Devitt slipped the ball past the St Ives goalkeeper to Rob Mann, who after initially miscontrolling the ball pushed the ball into the empty net.

Colchester pressed forward in search of a second goal with Rob Mann going close to doubling his tally and the Colchester forwards winning a number of Penalty Corners, which came to nothing.

The second half continued in a similar vein with both sides vying to get on top. Colchester were looking dangerous on the break, but were just unable to finish of some promising moves.

The home side equalised when they were awarded a penalty corner. Liam Phillips saved the first effort, but a St Ives forward was quickest to react and stuck the rebound into the back of the net.

With the game nearing its conclusion the home side took the lead, with a forward finishing off a neat move at the back post.

Colchester pressed hard in search of an equaliser but could not find a way past the St Ives defence and goalkeeper. Mersea Homes Man of the Match was Mark Kennedy for his work in the Colchester defence.

Colchester will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and maintain their place at the top of the table when they host Waltham Forest at the Garrison pitch next week.

Colchester Round-Up

The second eleven continued their fine season in division 4SE as they thrashed bottom club Southend 2nd XI with 7-0. The third eleven also continued their good season with a 5-3 victory away against Chelmsford 4th XI. The fourth 11 registered a much needed win in their fight against relegation in division 7SE, beating fellow strugglers Phoenix 3rd XI at home.