NE14hockey East League – Division 1
Cambridge City 2nd XI 4, Colchester 2 (10/04/10)
Colchester’s season ended in disappointing fashion with defeat away in Cambridge. Without six first team regulars it was always going to be a tough task for the visitors, especially with only the bare eleven and the heat.
Colchester began the game well, sticking to their task well of playing half-court to frustrate their hosts. The visitors almost took the lead when Rob Mann went close from a tight angle. Midway through the half Colchester took the lead when Rohan Khaira showed some good skill to win a Penalty Corner. Khaira himself struck the corner, firing the ball to the goalkeepers left. With the half drawing to a close Cambridge City got themselves back into the match after Jason Wilkins was beaten from close range.
Right at the start of the second half the hosts took control of the game and two quick goals gave them a 3-1 lead. The hosts further extended their advantage midway through the half to take the game away from Colchester.
However Colchester battled well and a Richard Sexton strike from a slipped Penalty Corner got the visitors back into the game and make for an interesting finish. However the task was too much for Colchester, and the score stayed 4-2.
Defeats in the last two games of the season meant that Colchester will face another season in Division 1, and they will be pushing hard next season to regain promotion to Premier B.
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Brentwood 3, Colchester 2 (27/03/10)
Colchester’s feint hope of promotion was ended with a loss away at Brentwood. Colchester battled the opposition as well as the umpires to no avail. Colchester had the ball in the back of the net early when Brian Barker neatly deflected a Matt Brown Penalty Corner effort. However after initially giving the goal, after strong protests from the Brentwood goalkeeper, the umpires deliberated and eventually disallowed the goal, citing dangerous play.
Colchester were then handed the handicap of being reduced to ten men as Chris Rich was sinbinned for failing to retreat at the award of a free hit to Brentwood. During this time Brentwood took the lead. However Colchester were not going to lie down, and a quick break from Chris Rich resulted in another Penalty Corner for the visitors. This time Brown fired a low drag-flick to the goalkeepers left.
The Colchester coach called for calm at half-time as his players were allowing the opposition and the umpires to get them riled up. Once again though the host took the lead from a deflection at a Penalty Corner.
Colchester were being drawn into the scrappy nature of the game and were shortly reduced to ten once again, as Tim Wright saw yellow for retaliation after being fouled, with the Brentwood forward also being Yellow carded. Within minutes Colchester were further hampered when Mark Kennedy joined Wright in the Bin, for allegedly deliberately breaking down play.
With time drawing on Colchester were getting increasingly frustrated with some of the umpiring decisions with Rich being unlucky to be denied a Penalty Flick or Corner when fouled in the ‘D’ when the umpire saw nothing.
Colchester equalised for the second time, through stand in Captain Michael Pearce. Pearce controlled a misplaced Penalty Corner injection and fired a shot goalwards, hitting the goalkeeper’s pads and flying high into the goal. The Brentwood goalkeeper complained once again, however his complaints fell on deaf ears as this time the goal stood. There was still time for Brentwood to seal the three points as they fired a straight strike from a Penalty Corner past Jason Wilkins.
With results elsewhere Colchester can now only finish fourth in the league and will be looking to cement this position when the travel away to Cambridge City 2nd XI on the 10th April for their final league fixture.
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Colchester 1, Cambridge University II 1 (20/03/10)
Colchester increased their unbeaten run to seven games but saw their hopes of promotion go as they were pegged back by second placed Cambridge University 2nd XI. This result left Colchester six points behind their opponents with just two games remaining. The visitors started the game well, moving the ball around quickly and putting pressure on the Colchester goal. However they lacked composure in front of goal and fired a number of shots wide. When the visitors did find a shot on goal they found Jason Wilkins in fine form, as he got down well to make a save from close range.
Colchester were sticking to their game plan well and were frustrating their visitors’ attempts. Colchester took the lead in slightly fortuitous circumstances. The umpire missed a foot by Colchester captain Rohan Khaira and allowed play to continue. Khaira drove forward as the Cambridge defence stopped. He passed the ball forward to Richard Sexton in the ‘D’. Sexton unselfishly passed across the ‘D’ to James Logan who made no mistake in finishing the move.
At half-time the Colchester coach called for more of the same as the home side were defending well and were looking dangerous on the break. However shortly after half time the visitors had drawn level. A dubious Penalty Corner was awarded to Cambridge by the umpires. The Cambridge routine was slick and lead to a deflection over the Colchester keeper from close range.
As the match wore on, the game became slightly more fractious. A Cambridge University player was yellow carded for a bad tackle and Colchester captain Rohan Khaira also saw yellow for dissent, a card that will mean he misses next week’s fixture away at Brentwood.
Colchester had a chance late on to win the game, as Seb Kolandjian picked up the ball and started a quick break, however he was unable to pick out a pass as Colchester had an overload situation. Colchester will be looking to end the season strongly in their remaining two games as they look to finish third in the league.
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Upminster 2, Colchester 3 (13/03/10)
Upminster equalised when they slipped the ball under Jason Wilkins from a Penalty Corner. Pearce had got out well to deny a strike from the top of the ‘D’ however the Upminster player took the ball past Pearce and took his shot from close range which gave Wilkins little chance. Moments later Colchester were indebted to Wilkins after he got down quickly to make a save with his glove after a Upminster forward had deflected a cross from close range.
Colchester regained their composure and had soon taken the lead once more. Rob Mann was crudely taken down by the Upminster goalkeeper for the award of another Penalty Corner. This time the injection was perfect and Matt Brown sent a drag flick into the bottom right hand corner. Colchester didn’t have to wait long before getting their third goal. Matt Brown getting his second, this time firing a drag flick into the top left hand corner after Colchester were awarded another Penalty Corner.
The second half continued to be tough for the visitors, but they stuck to their task and created chances. The Upminster goal keeper made a good save to deny Rob Mann, after he had got through one on one after Colchester broke quickly from defence. Colchester had the ball in the back of the net for a fourth time, however after a consultation between the two umpires, it was deemed that Seb Kolandjian had impeded the Upminster goalkeeper as he tried to make a save from a Rob Mann shot.
The hosts pulled a goal back to make it a tense finish when they finished off a Penalty Corner, with a slip to the right routine. Colchester’s task to hold onto their lead was made harder when Mann was yellow carded for not retreating five yards at a sixteen yard hit.
Colchester hung on to the three points thanks to the work of Tim Wright. Upminster were awarded another Penalty Corner, Wilkins had made a save from the first strike. However with Wilkins on the floor another Upminster forward flick the ball goalwards, however Wright was there to somehow get a stick on the ball and turn it away for a long corner.
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Colchester 3, St Ives 1 (06/03/10)
Colchester got their push for promotion back on track with a much-needed win at home to St Ives. After last week’s disappointing draw at Bury St Edmunds it was important that Colchester registered three points against their mid-table opponents.
In what was a nervous opening, neither side was able to impose themselves on the game. It took until midway through the half for Colchester to take the lead. A Matt Brown low dragflick from a Penalty Corner opened the scoring.
Colchester were unlucky not to be awarded a Penalty Stroke moments later after an aerial from Matt Brown was controlled by Rob Mann, as Mann drove into the ‘D’ he was crudely taken out with just the keeper to beat, however the umpire only awarded a Penalty Corner, which was broken down by the defence.
With the half drawing on St Ives got back into the game when a seemingly harmless reverse stick effort somehow snuck its way through Jason Wilkins in the Colchester goal.
The second half continued in the same vein and it took some good skill to break the deadlock. Rohan Khaira made a great run down the right before cutting in along the baseline. Khaira looked up to find Brian Barker who converted with a trademark finish.
Colchester extended their advantage with a fine finish from Tim Wright. A quick break from the Colchester defence found Rob Mann on the left, Mann fired a cross in which was deflected by a St Ives defender’s stick. Wright did well to control the ball and then hit the ball on the half volley past the Keeper and into the back of the net.
The third goal gave Colchester a bit of breathing room, however a series of late Penalty Corners for the visitors put the Colchester goal under pressure, howver Jason Wilkins and his defence stood firm to repel their attacks.
Colchester will be looking to keep up the pressure on the top next week when the travel to mid-table Upminster.
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Bury St Edmunds 4, Colchester 4 (27/02/10)
Colchester snatched a draw from the jaws of victory as they threw away a four goal lead away at fellow promotion hopefuls Bury St Edmunds. Colchester started the game well and for twenty minutes completely blew their opponents away.
Chris Rich opened the scoring for Colchester when Rob Mann laid the ball back for Rich to flick the ball into the goal. Colchester were pressing forward well and creating chances. Brian Barker having an effort saved by the Bury keeper after he found space in the ‘D’.
Colchester continued to pull the Bury defence apart and the visitors doubled their advantage when a speculative effort from Chris Rich was turned into the roof of the net by a Bury defender.
Soon after Colchester extended their advantage after good work from Rohan Khaira. The Colchester skipper won the ball high up the pitch and drove towards the ‘D’. Khaira was quite cynically fouled, but Khaira showed great composure to find a pass to Rob Mann, who put the ball into the back of the net.
Colchester’s fourth goal came shortly after. A Bury defender committed a foul in the ‘D’ to give Colchester their first Penalty Corner of the match. Mike Hunt stepped up to fire a drag flick past the Bury keeper.
Colchester were firmly in control at this point and were looking to put the game to bed. However before half time Colchester had allowed their opponents a glimmer of hope. Jason Wilkins made a good save , but could do nothing to prevent the follow-up hitting the back of the net.
In the second half Colchester were looking to get back to how they played in the opening 20 minutes, however they were unable to hit the heights that they had managed early in the game. Bury got their second goal as the Colchester defense allowed an attacker to get a shot off in the ‘D’ which took Wilkins by surprise and was past him before he could do anything to stop it.
Colchester were still playing well in patches and creating chances, the best came when Rohan Khaira made a good run before playing the ball across the Bury keeper to Brian Barker, however the ball hit Barker’s foot with an open goal waiting.
Bury made it a tense finish when they got their third goal from a Penalty Corner effort. With time running out Rob Mann conceded a Penalty Corner, with the umpire blowing for full time. The Penalty Corner had to be played to a conclusion, with Wilkins saving well from a straight strike, however the ball was raised from Wilkins’ pads and a second corner was awarded. This time Wilkins could do nothing about the strike as Bury leveled up the game.
With this result, Colchester will now struggle to get into the top two for a promotion place, but will do all they can in the forthcoming weeks.
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Colchester 7, Norwich City II 3 (20/02/10)
Colchester maintained their push for promotion with a well-deserved victory against bottom side Norwich City. Colchester came into the game looking for an improved performance from the previous week. Colchester started the game well, putting their visitors on the back foot. There was wave after wave of wave of Colchester attack. Colchester showed some good play as they worked the ball out of defence to Chris Rich on the left hand side. Rich drove down the left and into the ‘D’ where he was fouled to give the hosts a Penalty Corner. With Matt Brown making no mistake in firing a dragflick low to the goalkeeper’s right.
Colchester continued to press forward in such of more openings. However a lack of cohesion meant that chances often came to nothing. Colchester’s difficulties increased when Norwich equalised from a Penalty Corner. Colchester had regained the lead before half-time with Rohan Khaira sweeping the ball home after good work from James Logan. With the half drawing to a close Chris Rich was sent to the sin-bin for a stick tackle.
At half-time the Colchester coach called for the team to play more as a team and stick to the basics, and they delivered. With Rich back on the pitch Colchester began to dominate. Matt Brown added his second goal of the match, with another dragflick, this time going to the goalkeeper's right.
Colchester’s fourth goal came moments later when Chris Rich was allowed to dribble the ball into the ‘D’ and unleashed an unstoppable reverse stick shot from the top of the ‘D’. Colchester were looking rampant and soon further extended their advantage. Rich was once again fouled in the ‘D’ and Brown for the third time stepped up to dragflick the ball into the goal.
Colchester allowed their visitors a glimmer of hope when Norwich converted another Penalty Corner to make the score 5-2. This just pushed Colchester on and had soon added to their goal tally once again. Brian Barker scoring from close range after another good run from Chris Rich.
James Logan scored Colchester’s final goal, bundling the ball home from close range. The goal scoring was completed when a Norwich shot was deflected by Matt Brown past Jason Wilkins. Brown’s eventful afternoon was completed when he received a harsh yellow card for tripping a Norwich forward as he made a tackle.
Colchester will be hoping they can keep the goalscoring exploits up when they face fellow promotion hopefuls Bury St Edmund next week.
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Wapping II 1, Colchester 2 (13/02/10)
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 endeavors 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.
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Ramgarhia 7, Colchester 3 (23/01/10)
Colchester first game after the Christmas break saw them travel back from East London with a hefty defeat to the league leaders.
Injuries and illness meant the visitors travelled to the capital with twelve men but they started much the brighter, creating numerous chances with new signing Chris Rich causing havoc, unfortunately none were converted and the hosts punished them scoring from their first foray into the circle.
Ramgarhia were soon 3-0 ahead scoring from open play and their first short corner. Despite this, Colchester continued to create chances and gain penalty corners, two of which were saved off the line. They eventually did score when Rohan Khaira picked out Rob Mann to slap home first time to reduce the arrears.
The hosts responded with two more short corner drag flicks to make it 5-1 at half time and with Khaira and Matt Low picking up hand injuries Colchester were facing an uphill battle.
Colchester made it 5-2 when Rich danced around 3 men before firing at goal; Mann was on hand at the back post to convert.
The visitors were reduced to ten men when Edwin Cawthorn was shown a red card for an off the ball incident.
Again Ramgarhia's short corner routine proved to be Colchester's downfall as their drag flicker made it five from five to make it 7-2.
Mann completed his hat-trick to finish the scoring and Colchester know they have a lot of hard work to do if they want to get back into the promotion race.
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Cambridge
University II 7, Colchester 2
Colchester’s
final game before the Christmas break saw them put in a woeful performance
against a committed and skilful University team. The
visitors were outplayed and outfought throughout the whole game and were 2-0
down within the space of ten minutes.
Colchester
did pull a goal back midway through the first half through Rob Mann who beat
several men before firing home, however more sloppy defensive play allowed the
visitors to regain their two goal advantage just before the break.
Any
hope the visitors had of salvaging something from the game vanished within the
space of 15 second half minutes as a series of individual errors allowed the
students to score at will and they were soon 6-1 in front.
Matt
Brown pulled one back but the hosts were to have the final say rounding of the
days scoring to make it 7-2.
Colchester
now have a five week break to regroup and must improve in all areas if they are
to mount a serious promotion challenge in the second half of the season.
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Colchester
4, Upminster 4 (28/11/09)
Colchester
were denied a fourth consecutive win by a battling Upminster side in an
entertaining game with the visitors scoring twice in the last eight minutes.
The
sides went into the game separated by a single point, so a close encounter was
anticipated. The hosts started the game strongly and were soon in front when Seb
Kolandjian was fouled when though on goal and the umpire had no hesitation in
awarding a penalty flick. Rohan Khaira made no mistake to put his side in front.
Colchester soon doubled their advantage when Khaira robbed an opposing
midfielder on the 25 and fed the ball through to Rob Mann who calmly slotted
home.
The
hosts were playing some flowing hockey and looked the better side for much of
the half. However, Upminster did have their moments and reduced the deficit
against the run of play. Almost
immediately Colchester restored their two goal advantage when Michael Pearce
made an excellent tackle and found Mann on the half way line. Mann used his pace
and beat two men before slamming home from the edge of the circle.
Five
minutes into the second half and Colchester had a two goal lead for the third
time in the game when Richard Sexton displayed some fine skills on the base line
and pulled the ball back to Brian Barker who slotted home.
A
lot of the second half was played in a frenzied manner with the visitors having
more possession and several short corners but they could not find a way passed
home keeper Jason Wilkins who was in inspired form. At
the other end Colchester did have chances to kill the game, in particular Mann,
who failed to convert when clean through.
Colchester
were made to pay as finally the visitors short corner routine got it right and
beat Wilkins with a fine drag flick. Upminster
soon had an equaliser as the hosts gifted them another short corner, this time
the flicker deceived Wilkins with a low effort. Either
side could have stolen the points at the death with Wilkins making a good save
and Khaira seeing his short corner strike saved by the visiting keeper.
Wilkins
was named Mersea Homes man of the match for the second week in succession for
his fine second half display.
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St
Ives 1, Colchester 2 (21/11/09)
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.
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.
Jason
Wilkins was named The Mersea Homes man of the match for his excellent
goalkeeping.
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Colchester 4, Bury St Edmunds 2 (14/11/09)
Colchester moved to within one point of the league leaders with a good win at home to Bury St Edmunds. Colchester started the game well moving the ball around well and having much of the play. Colchester took the lead when Richard Bran took a quick free hit on the left and found Rob Mann on the baseline. Mann centered the ball and Rohan Khaira was on hand to deflect the ball between the goalkeepers legs to make the score 1-0.
Bury then got a foothold back in the game when Tim Wright slipped in the ‘D’ to give a Bury forward a free shot, who fired the ball past Liam Phillips in the Colchester goal. This only served to spur Colchester on and they were soon back in front. Matt Brown firing home a low drag-flick from a Penalty Corner. Colchester were now looking rampant and creating chances. They didn’t have to wait long before doubling their advantage. A flowing move ripped open the Bury St Edmunds defense and Brown found himself with a run on the visiting keeper. As the keeper advanced Brown slipped the ball across to Rob Mann, who slapped the ball into the empty net.
Just minutes before half-time Bury St Edmunds had reduced the deficit to one goal. The ball hit Seb Kolandjian’s foot in the ‘D’ to give the visitors a Penalty Corner. A straight strike going under the Colchester keeper to make the score 3-2. There was still time before half-time for Colchester skipper Rohan Khaira to receive a sin-bin for a bad tackle.
Starting the second half with ten men it was Colchester intention to concentrate on defense and not allow Bury St Edmunds any chances to equalise. Colchester did this well and once back to the full complement set to the task of putting the game to bed. However Colchester found that the visiting keeper was on good form.
Colchester almost had a fourth after Brown had shown some good skill to get into the ‘D’. The ball fell to Rohan Khaira at the top of the ‘D’, who unleashed a reverse stick shot that looked destined for the bottom corner, however the Bury Keeper someone managed to get down and get his stick on the ball to deflect it wide.
Colchester were left ruing the opposing keeper once again when a Penalty Corner effort from Matt Brown seemed to be heading for the bottom corner when the keeper got a touch to send the ball to safety.
Colchester did get a fourth goal to kill off the game from a quick breakaway. Matt Brown received the ball on the half way line before finding a perfect pass to Brian Barker to leave him one on one with the Bury St Edmunds goalkeeper. As the keeper came rushing out to meet him, Barker slipped the ball between his legs and into the goal.
Mersea Homes Man of The Match was Mark Kennedy for his study defence.
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Norwich City II 2, Colchester 6 (07/11/09)
Colchester got back to winning ways with a comprehensive victory away in Norwich. After two poor performances in the last two weeks it was important for Colchester to get back to winning ways and they did so in style, although they made it hard work at times.
Colchester had much the better of the first half and should have been more than the single goal up that they were. Richard Bran showed some good skills down the left handside before finding Matt Brown in the ‘D’, Brown centred the ball to Richard Sexton. Sexton took a touch before reverse sticking the ball high into the net.
In what has become the story of Colchester’s season, Norwich had equalised within minutes of the restart. However this only served as wake-up call for the visitors as a brace from Matt Brown put Colchester firmly in the driving seat.
Some lax play allowed Norwich to pull one back midway through the half, but this once again stirred Colchester to life and three more goals for the visitors firmly put the game to bed. Rohan Khaira finished of a fantastic move and Matt Brown completed his hat-trick with a high drag-flick into the roof of the net. Richard Sexton completed the scoring with his second goal of the game with a simple tap in to round off another good move from Colchester.
Mersea Homes man of the match was Matt Brown for his goal-scoring exploits.
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Colchester 1, Wapping II 4 (31/10/09)
Colchester started the game well and were unlucky not to open the scoring after six minutes. Mark Kennedy made a good tackle in defense which lead to a quick break for the hosts. Kennedy found Tim Wright who was tackled at the top of the ‘D’. The ball fell to Richard Sexton on the right whose cross found a defender’s foot in the ‘D’ to give the first Penalty Corner of the match. Brown’s rather tame effort was saved, however the ball found its way to Sexton on the right whose cross this time found Brown in the ‘D’. Brown turned and shot only to see his effort cannon of the base of the post and away to safety.
Colchester were having much of the play but were just falling at the final hurdle as they struggled to get the shot off that their good play deserved. Wapping took the lead against the run of play midway through the half. A speculative reverse stick shot was saved by Liam Phillips, however the ball hit a defender’s foot and a Penalty Corner was awarded. Wapping opted for a straight strike, which went between Phillips’ legs and into the goal.
Colchester were pressing hard and getting some joy down the right. Seb Kolandjian put in a couple of crosses which were just out of reach for the Colchester forwards. Late in the half Colchester almost had an equalizer. A ball in from deep from Mark Kennedy was cleverly deflected by Brian Barker; however Barker’s touch took the ball narrowly wide.
In what has become the story of the season Colchester started the second half poorly and the visitors had doubled their advantage within a couple of minutes. A cross was not dealt with by the Colchester defense, which left Phillips with a difficult task. Phillips saved the first effort but the rebound only went straight to another Wapping player, who slotted the ball home.
The visitors were having their best spell of the game and giving Colchester some serious problems. A drag-flick from a Penalty Corner going narrowly wide and Phillips having to be alert when the Colchester defense allowed a Wapping player to run.
Colchester were struggling to create many chances the best of which fell to Brian Barker whose first time shot after a good run and pass from Kolandjian was saved.
The visitors were gifted a third goal when Michael Pearce made a tackle in the ‘D’, but then failed to clear his lines as his attempted pass only found another forward at the top of the ‘D’ who took one touch before firing past Philips. A minute later the visitors had put the game beyond Colchester when the host were caught on the break. Phillips coming out well to take on the attacker, however the ball broke kindly to the attacker who then rounded Phillips before firing past four defenders.
With the game seemingly beyond the hosts, Colchester started to regain some ground. A pass from Pearce deflected wide was the start of Colchester’s resurgence. With five minutes left Matt Brown was fouled and awarded a Penalty Corner. Brown stepped up to fire a drag-flick into the roof of the net.
A minute later Colchester had the ball in the back of the net again Matt Low showed some nice skill down the right before finding a pass to Tim Wright, Wright’s first effort was blocked before slapping the ball into the goal, however the umpire had already blown for a foul against the Wapping defense and awarded a Penalty Corner. From the Penalty Corner Brown flicked the ball low towards Barker, who was close to getting a deflection.
Colchester were still pressing and in the final minute created a couple of chances with Richard Bran flicking at the keeper after a good run into the ‘D’ and Brown firing a drag-flick wide from another Colchester Penalty Corner.
Mersea Homes Man of the Match was Mark Kennedy for his solid tackling at the heart of the Colchester defense.
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Bourne 4, Colchester 2 (24/10/09)
Colchester suffered defeat for the second time this season as they battled against their Lincolnshire opponents and the umpires. Colchester started the game well showing some good patience and skill early on. Colchester took the lead in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. A rebound from a shot found Tim Wright on the left of the ‘D’. Wright looked to find Richard Sexton on the back post, however the ball hit a defender's foot and deflected past the Bourne goalkeeper.
Bourne equalised midway through the half, from a Penalty Corner which was converted from close range. Bourne also had a glorious chance to take the lead before half time, when a forward missed an open goal.
In the second half Colchester self destructed, getting four yellow cards. Firstly captain Rohan Khaira was sent to the sin-bin for saying something which the umpire deemed to be untoward. Then whilst down to ten Bourne began to take control. Khaira was not back on the pitch long before Colchester were reduced to ten again when Rob Mann was also carded for dissent. Things got worse when Tim Wright was over zealous in the tackle and joined Mann in the bin. Throughout Colchester’s ill-discipline Bourne had fully taken control of the match and had scored three times to put the game out of Colchester’s reach, and it was only thanks to Liam Phiilips in the Colchester goal that the scoreline was not worse.
Colchester got a goal late on, when Brian Barker scored a rebound from a Penalty Corner. Colchester pressed hard to get back into the game pushing an extra man into midfield from defense. However Colchester’s hopes were dashed when the were reduced to ten once again, when Matt Low joined the list of Yellow Cards for showing dissent.
Colchester will be hoping to rectify their problems next week when they host Wapping 2nd XI at the Garrison. Mersea Homes Man of the Match was Edwin Cawthorn who showed his abilities on his debut.
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Colchester 5, Cambridge City II 3 (17/10/09)
Colchester got back to winning ways after coming back from behind twice in a hard fought match at the Garrison. It was the visitors that started the brighter as they pressured the Colchester defense into making mistakes. Their first effort, a shot wide from a Penalty Corner after the defense were unable to clear the ball. Cambridge City had the lead within six minutes. Seb Kolandjian was caught in possession deep in the Colchester half and the visitors worked the ball into the middle for a shot. Richard Elston did well to get a block in but could only watch as the ball looped over Liam Phillips and into the back of the net.
Colchester were almost caught napping minutes later when Richard Bran lost possession, this time Cambridge shot wide. As the game wore on Colchester came more into the game and began to create some pressure of their own. A couple of intercepted passes gave Colchester opportunities that they couldn’t quite convert.
Colchester equalized on twenty minutes when Bran intercepted a flick pass. Bran forwarded the ball on to Matt Brown, Brown turned on the edge of the ‘D’ before passing across the face of the goal, where Richard Sexton was on hand to slap the ball first time past the Cambridge goalkeeper. With Colchester back on level terms they pressed on in search of a second. Colchester were working well down the right and a couple of crosses from Rohan Khaira almost produced results.
A good save from the Cambridge keeper kept the scores level after a good move by Colchester which saw the ball moved from the right back position to the left wing and Matt Brown, whose shot was saved by the keeper and then the post.
With the half coming to the end Colchester did get the goal that their endeavors deserved. It was again pressure down the right that told for Colchester. Khaira, Kolandjian and Sexton all doing well to retain possession. It was then a cross from Kolandjian that found Matt Brown in the ‘D’; Brown showed great composure as he took the ball past three defenders and the goalkeeper before firing a reverse stick shot into the back of the net.
The second half couldn’t have started worse for Colchester as Captain Khaira was still having a comfort break the visitors had equalized. Cambridge started hard and won a free-hit outside the ‘D’. They worked the ball well and a cross was deflected past Phillips. Things got even worse when still within a minute of the restart Cambridge had regained the lead. Kolandjian surrender possession on the half way line, it was then a ball over the top that the Colchester defense failed to deal with. The Cambridge forward dribbled the ball into the ‘D’ and slipped the ball past the advancing Phillips to a man at the back post who deflected the ball into the empty net.
With the visitors back in the lead, the game became very even with neither side able to put their stamp on the game. Midway through the half Colchester began to exert their abilities on the game. Rob Mann did well to win a free-hit on the left and the ball was worked to Kolandjian on the right. Kolandjian’s cross found Tim Wright in the ‘D’ who’s slapped effort was blocked by a Cambridge City defender.
Colchester restored parity when a cross from Richard Sexton found a defenders foot in the ‘D’. Rohan Khaira’s straight strike found the bottom corner to make the scores 3-3.
Colchester’s goal saw a shift in mentality from the visitors, who are without a win this season. Cambridge City pushed up and pressed the Colchester defense hard. It was only thanks to Liam Phillips in the Colchester goal that saw the scores remain level. Making a great save one on one with a Cambridge forward and a diving save from a drag-flick at a Penalty Corner.
With just minutes of the game remaining Colchester finally took the game. A quick free hit out of defense found Rohan Khaira on the right. Khaira fired the ball up the wing to an unmarked Brian Barker. Barker drove the ball into the ‘D’ before squaring the ball past the out rushing keeper. Barker’s pass was intercepted by a defender who could only push the ball over the back line for a Penalty Corner. This time Matt Brown stepped up to drag-flick the ball into the side netting and give Colchester the lead once more.
In the final minute Colchester put the game to bed. A relieving aerial out of defense from Brown found Rob Mann on the left wing. Mann took a touch before firing in a cross where Brian Barker was on hand to score with a trademark deflection. It was a welcome return for Barker, who was playing his first match since a knee operation which had kept him out for all of 2009 so far.
It was a good battling display from Colchester and they will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they visit Bourne next week. Mersea Home Man of the Match was Matt Brown for his two goals and his all round good play.
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Colchester 1, Ramgarhia 4 (10/10/09)
Colchester suffered their first defeat of the new campaign at home to Ramgarhia. Colchester were on the back foot from the start as the visitors had taken the lead within three minutes. A ball out of defense found a Ramgarhia forward who showed some neat skills to get into the ‘D’ before find a defenders foot to gain the first Penalty Corner of the match. A drag-flick low to Liam Phillips was enough to give Ramgarhia the lead.
Colchester came into the match and created a chance when a foul was committed against Rohan Khaira as he drove along the baseline. Khaira’s effort from the Penalty Corner could only find the post though. Colchester didn’t have to wait long to get back into the match. Khaira made a brilliant tackle on the half-way line before finding a pass forward to Rob Mann. Mann allowed the ball to enter the ‘D’ before slipping the ball past the onrushing keeper.
The game was see-sawing as both sides were creating chances, Ramgarhia firing narrowly wide from another Penalty Corner and Colchester going close through Richard Bran.
With twenty minutes on the clock Ramgarhia restored their lead. The Ramgarhia forward showed some great skill to make room for himself in a crowded ‘D’ to fire in a shot on the turn which gave Phillips little chance.
Colchester were still pushing forward, but the final ball was just lacking after they had got into a good position with Rob Mann’s cross unable to find a Colchester player in the ‘D’.
However it was the visitors that were still having the best of the play and it was only thanks to Phillips in the Colchester goal that the visitors hadn’t doubled their advantage earlier. Ramgarhia’s third goal came before half-time when the Colchester defense allowed a forward to drive along the baseline and find a pass to the Penalty Spot, where a team mate was on hand to put the ball past Phillips.
Colchester had a couple of chances early in the second half to get back into the match, but once again couldn’t quite find the finish. Rohan Khaira crossing the ball but just failing to find a forward’s stick in the ‘D’, and Richard Bran scooping the ball wide after a Penalty Corner effort from Rob Mann had been blocked.
Ramgarhia extended their advantage moments later when a ball across the ‘D’ was turned into his own goal by Tim Wright after a quick break down the left by the Ramgarhia forwards. The visitors almost had a fifth shortly afterwards however the forward shot just wide.
With twenty minutes remaining Colchester had a chance to get back into the match. Khaira was fouled within the 23 metre line, and the umpire deemed the foul sufficient to give a Penalty Corner. Khaira’s effort from the Corner was saved with the rebound falling to Rob Mann. Mann pushed the ball towards goal, but having beaten the keeper, saw his effort cleared off the line by a defender.
Colchester were creating chances as the game wore on with Rob Mann winning another Penalty Corner after a mazy run from the halfway line, Khaira again saw his effort saved by the Ramgarhia keeper.
Colchester’s chances of getting back into the match were hampered by two yellow cards late on. First with ten minutes to go Rob Mann saw yellow for a bad tackle and so Colchester were reduced to ten for five minutes. Then within a minute of Mann returning Colchester were reduced to ten again as James Logan saw yellow for dissent.
In the final minute Colchester had the chance for a consolation when Tim Wright broke down play and began an attack. Wright’s ball found Mann unmarked in the ‘D’, Mann’s first time deflection caused the Ramgarhia keeper to make a save, with the ball finding Khaira at the top of the ‘D’. Khaira’s effort was mishit, but still forced the keeper to make a save with Khaira following up to hit the ball goal wards once more, this time seeing a defender clear the ball of the line.
Mersea Homes man of the match was Mark Kennedy for his sturdy defense.
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Vauxhall 0, Colchester 4 (03/10/09)
Colchester made it two wins out of two as they ran out comfortable winners against Vauxhall in Luton. Despite the comfortable nature of the win it was a tough start for the visitors as they struggled to get to terms with the bumpy nature of the pitch and hard press that their hosts were playing.
It was Vauxhall that had the first real chances of the match, with two crosses flashing across the Colchester goal just evading the forward on the back post. The hosts also had a number of Penalty Corners all of which were dealt with well by Colchester with Liam Phillips making a couple of saves.
As the game went on Colchester came into the game more and more and were unlucky not to take the lead after a quick break saw a deflected shot go just wide. Colchester did take the lead shortly afterwards when James Logan turned neatly in the Vauxhall half and found Seb Kolandjian on the right. Kolandjian showed some nice skills to get into the ‘D’ before being fouled to give Colchester their first Penalty Corner of the match. Rohan Khaira stepped up to fire a straight strike into the bottom corner.
Colchester didn’t have to wait too long to double their advantage. Michael Pearce made a good tackle in the Colchester defense which set up a flowing move which ripped the Vauxhall defense apart. Pearce passed the ball to Rob Mann; Mann beat his man before finding Kolandjian. Kolandjian dropped the ball back to Khaira, whose pass found Mann who had continued his run to the back post. With the keeper advancing Mann slipped the ball past him to Richard Sexton who slotted the ball into the empty net.
Colchester had the bit between their teeth and could have had a third before half-time but Mann’s effort was saved by the Vauxhall goalkeeper.
Shortly after the half-time interval Colchester did get their third goal. A speculative aerial ball out of defense from Matt Low was missed by two Vauxhall defenders which allowed Rob Mann to have a run on goal. Mann drove into the ‘D’ and fired his shot through the goalkeeper’s legs and into the back of the goal.
Within minutes Colchester had their fourth goal. Some more good play by Colchester opened up the Vauxhall defense once again. Khaira picked up the ball on the half-way line to start another attack. Khaira’s ball found Sexton out wide. Sexton’s cross back into the ‘D’ found Khaira again who fired goal wards. The shot only found Kolandjian who shot at goal; Kolandjian’s first shot was saved by the Vauxhall keeper, but he was on hand to bundle the ball into the goal.
With
quarter of an hour left to play Colchester were reduced to ten men as Tim Wright
was shown a yellow card for retaliation after being fouled.
The temporary suspension of Wright gave the hosts a bit more space but
Colchester stood firm and allowed Vauxhall very few chances.
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Colchester 4, Brentwood 3 (26/09/09)
Colchester started life in Division 1 with a hard fought victory at home to Brentwood. It was the visitors that started the brighter forcing two early Penalty Corners which in turn saw two good saves from Colchester goalkeeper Liam Phillips.
Colchester’s first chance of the match came about after a quick break which saw Rohan Khaira release Duncan Scott down the Colchester left. Scott won a free hit, which was taken quickly by Rob Mann who was fouled as he entered the ‘D’ to give Colchester a Penalty Corner, which Matt Brown flicked low and narrowly wide.
Colchester didn’t have to wait long for their first goal of the new season as they had taken the lead within ten minutes. Richard Bran found Rob Mann on the left, who showed good skill and determination to get into the ‘D’ and fire away a shot. Mann’s shot was saved by the keeper, but he did well to take in the rebound before firing into the bottom left hand corner past the visiting keeper.
Colchester were playing some nice hockey but just failing to find the final ball that would open up the Brentwood defense and were almost caught on the break; however the Brentwood forward shanked his shot just wide.
Colchester continued to play nice hockey and were almost rewarded from a Penalty Corner when Brown hit the post and Bran had his shot from the rebound saved. With the first half drawing to a close Colchester had some concerted pressure and were camped in the Brentwood 23 metre line. This pressure finally told as Colchester doubled their advantage just before the break.
It was from a third Penalty Corner in quick succession. This time a mis-control at the top of the ‘D’ lead to a slip to the left where Scott had a shot blocked, however the ball rolled forward to Richard Sexton, who had the presence of mind to flick the ball over the falling keeper towards goal. He was fortunate that the covering defender missed his chance to clear the ball and the ball trickled over the line to give Colchester a 2‐0 lead at half-time.
The half‐time break brought the visitors to life and they came out hard and put Colchester under a lot of pressure. Liam Phillips making a string of fine saves to deny the visitors a way back into the match. However the visitors didn’t have to wait long before getting back into the match. Michael Pearce committed a foul inside the ‘D’ to give Brentwood a Penalty Corner. The visitors converted with the thanks of a deflection in front of Tim Wright. Colchester were adding to their problems, giving the ball away carelessly from the back, and it took a superb double save by Phillips to deny the visitors an equalizer. Phillips efforts were in vain as Brentwood had soon got back on level terms.
Another Penalty Corner for the visitors, this time a foot infringement in the ‘D’ by Richard Elston, was converted. The Colchester defense protested that the shot was too high and that the goal should be disallowed, however the umpire was unmoving and the goal stood.
Brentwood were in the midst of their best spell of the game and it was only thanks to Phillips in the Colchester goal that the visitors didn’t take the lead.
Colchester regained the lead against the run of play. Rob Mann took a quick free hit and drove into the Brentwood ‘D’. As he looked to get his pass away Mann was fouled to give the host a Penalty Corner. Matt Brown’s effort from the corner hit a defender’s foot to give Colchester a second Penalty Corner. This time Colchester slipped the ball to the left to Mann, whose flick effort was deflected high into the back of the net.
With time running out Colchester restored their two goal cushion. Michael Pearce made a good tackle at the back before finding a pass to Mann. Mann went on a run into the Brentwood half and forwarding the ball into Matt Brown. Brown was fleet of foot as he pirouetted past the Brentwood keeper before flicking the ball into the back of the goal.
There was still time for Mann to get a yellow card for an over physical tackle and for the visitors to get a third goal. With just a minute to go Phillips left a ball which he thought was safe, only for a Brentwood forward to get a touch and make the final score 4-3.
Colchester will be happy to start the season with a win, but will be hoping to put in a good display for the full 70 minutes in the coming weeks. Mersea Homes Man of the Match was Rob Mann for his two goals and good running upfront.