Wapping II 1 Colchester 2

Division One

Wapping II 1 Colchester 2

COLCHESTER maintained their push for promotion with a hard fought victory away at Wapping. Colchester started the game well as they continued from where they left off last week. Colchester were moving the ball around nicely and creating chances. Colchester skipper Rohan Khaira firing narrowly wide after getting into the 'D'.

Colchester took the lead early in the match after good work down the right by Chris Rich. Rich's cross was intercepted by a defender, but the ball fell to Matt Brown, who rifled a reverse stick shot first time into the goal.

Colchester continued to create chances with Brown being denied a second from a penalty corner effort that was charged down.

As the first half wore on Colchester allowed their hosts into the match, and with the half nearing its conclusion Wapping had got back on level terms. The Colchester midfield allowed a Wapping midfielder to run from deep to the top of the 'D' before he struck a reverse stick shot which was well saved by Jason Wilkins. However a Wapping forward was quickest to react and was able to bundle the ball into the back of the net.

The second half had a similar feel with Colchester making life hard for themselves, with sloppy passes and players being caught in possession being the main problems for the visitors. Despite these problems Colchester were looking dangerous on the break and created a number of chances from flowing moves. The best of which was a good save from the Wapping keeper from Richard Sexton after a pin-point pass from Rob Mann had set him free.

Colchester's pursuit of a victory were hampered when Rob Mann was yellow carded for deliberately breaking down, it was Mann's third yellow card of the season, which means he will miss next weeks' game at home to Norwich.

Colchester got their reward for their endeavours late in the game, when Chris Rich went on a run. Rich was fouled a number of times before the umpire awarded a penalty corner. From the corner Matt Brown found a ball back to the injector, Rohan Khaira who swept the ball in to give Colchester the lead for the second time.

If Colchester are to keep up their challenge for promotion they will need results like this when they are not at their best. Colchester faces bottom side Norwich City 2nd Xi next week, where they will be looking for an improved performance.