| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight 16:50 - Oct 27 with 2237 views | durham_exile |
Well this has been an exciting week in the annals of Colchester United — two home victories against two of the more challenging sides in the league and this has propelled the U’s to 9th in the table.
Then we have a home draw in the FA Cup 1st Round against Marine AFC which, and no disrespect here, should see the U’s comfortably through to Round 2 on the 7th November. Finally, our second Away match in a few days against Scunny has been postponed after 8 of their players and staff tested positive for COVID-19.
Before that of course we have an intriguing game at Rodney Parade against the league leaders Newport County managed by Michael Flynn. Now Flynn is one of those managers that I dislike, cannot tell you why, I just disagree with his methods and smarmy way that he conducts himself also the smugness with which he behaved after their Cup heroics in recent seasons. Anyway, I am sure he does not care what I think about him!
Newport are a workmanlike side who have managed the parting of the ways with Jamille Matt without incident and will be a tough nut to crack this evening at 7pm. But here is the thing this league is wide open, and they may be the early pacesetters, but there is no reason why Colchester cannot prevail in South Wales this evening.
Now I am beginning to learn very quickly that SB is going to achieve results for his charges through attrition rather than expansive attacking football and so I need to reassess my strategy. Sadly, he is not going to play 4,3,3 with the three attackers Norris, Brown and Bohui preferring a 4,5,1 even at home and so I need to get with the programme. I may not like it, but it seems to be bearing fruit.
I have watched every league game this season through iFollow and I am disappointed first that MTC clearly did not work out at the club (one appearance of 20 minutes at Reading) when on a season long loan made him the ghost of Christmas Present. This after Macca Bonne was the ghost of Christmas Past. Then we produced a rabbit out of the hat to obtain a very exciting young player from Breda via Manchester United, namely Josh Bohui who looks like becoming the ghost of Christmas Future.
He has shown through cameo appearances, limited to 8 minutes, that he is quick, pacy, skilful and has an eye for goal. I thought that he would play on Saturday at home to Harrogate but he didn’t even come on as a sub. SB used Brown as a lone striker, but he was isolated too often then when Norris replaced him on 71 minutes he became the lone ranger (striker) in his place and the skilful Chilvers was replaced by Sowunmi at the same time and Poku was replaced by Senior on 77 minutes. We dropped deeper and deeper and it became a struggle a war of attrition. But the result was ground out after goals by Harriott and the outstanding Stevenson.
At Newport SB is unlikely to be expansive and so we can expect another turgid 4,5,1 formation. SB may be getting results, but he is never going to win friends or influence people with these tactics. But does he care, probably not. The aim must be to get out of this league and if these methods are effective, then they will persist.
In truth the only area where I disagree with SB is upfront. Defence and midfield are perfectly fine.
So, expect the following tonight:
Gerken
Welch-Hayes Eastman Smith Bramall
Pell Stevenson Chilvers
Poku Harriott
Brown
Subs:
George Sowunmi Senior Norris Scarlett Gambin Bohui
I would replace Harriott and Poku with Norris and Bohui in the starting line-up but that is not going to happen, so I need to accept it.
The advantage of playing Newport now is that their pitch has yet to resemble a ploughed field and therefore our style of play will be reasonably well suited to the conditions.
The Newport weather is going to be 8 degrees Celsius tonight with rain showers.
Notwithstanding the severity of the test tonight, Colchester can secure a third successive victory for the first time in the league since April 2018 and thus inflict a first and second goal against the Exiles for their first time in 299 minutes of football.
Enjoy the game, and a Colchester victory by 2-1.
Up the U’s
 |  |
| |  |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:44 - Oct 27 with 804 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:36 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
Josh Bohui coming on after 77 minutes
Frankly 77 minutes too late but at least he gets about 13 minutes tonight. Harriott off |
Senior free kick - horrible
This is the disadvantage of SB defensive tactics.
Chasing the game and too much pressure on the subs who like Bohui have had previous little time to fashion something | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:46 - Oct 27 with 795 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:44 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
Senior free kick - horrible
This is the disadvantage of SB defensive tactics.
Chasing the game and too much pressure on the subs who like Bohui have had previous little time to fashion something |
It ain't happening tonight.
Sorry SB not good enough too defensive and we end up with nothing. | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:47 - Oct 27 with 793 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:46 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
It ain't happening tonight.
Sorry SB not good enough too defensive and we end up with nothing. |
Brown get inz | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:49 - Oct 27 with 786 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:47 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
Brown get inz |
Shocking | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:50 - Oct 27 with 782 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:49 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
Shocking |
Bollocks | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:55 - Oct 27 with 759 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:50 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
Bollocks |
Absolutely seething
When in the last 13 minutes we actually attacked we looked capable of scoring.
So disappointed with this defensive policy shite.
Up the U's | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:57 - Oct 27 with 754 views | wessex_exile |
That's a real kick in the proverbials - didn't deserve a point but should have had one - f*ck!!! |  |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 21:15 - Oct 27 with 696 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 20:57 - Oct 27 by wessex_exile |
That's a real kick in the proverbials - didn't deserve a point but should have had one - f*ck!!! |
My point is had we lined up with two attackers and Bohui from the start we would have taken the game to Newport who frankly were worse than Carlisle.
Having equalised late on we should have seen the game out.
The mentality of playing out from the back and a lone striker invites pressure and it is unfair on the subs who have no time to get into the game.
The mindset must be we can win at any ground in this league and play as such not the defensive crap served up.
The only consolation is I don't have a 7 hour journey home!!!!! | |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 21:28 - Oct 27 with 678 views | wessex_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 21:15 - Oct 27 by durham_exile |
My point is had we lined up with two attackers and Bohui from the start we would have taken the game to Newport who frankly were worse than Carlisle.
Having equalised late on we should have seen the game out.
The mentality of playing out from the back and a lone striker invites pressure and it is unfair on the subs who have no time to get into the game.
The mindset must be we can win at any ground in this league and play as such not the defensive crap served up.
The only consolation is I don't have a 7 hour journey home!!!!! |
There is another consolation, as unpalatable as it is - we should have had 0 from 9pts and we've got 6, and nearly snatched 7 - can't last forever mind. Something needs to change, and very soon. Marine will be interesting, to see who gets their chance to shine, but Bohui has to start, and Gerken needs to be dropped.
To me, what was most frustrating tonight, we knew Newport were going to be strong, and they were, but I agree they weren't actually that much better than FGR or Harrogate, if at all. We always carried a threat, just didn't show that threat anywhere near enough. | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 09:22 - Oct 28 with 524 views | NME_cufc |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 21:28 - Oct 27 by wessex_exile |
There is another consolation, as unpalatable as it is - we should have had 0 from 9pts and we've got 6, and nearly snatched 7 - can't last forever mind. Something needs to change, and very soon. Marine will be interesting, to see who gets their chance to shine, but Bohui has to start, and Gerken needs to be dropped.
To me, what was most frustrating tonight, we knew Newport were going to be strong, and they were, but I agree they weren't actually that much better than FGR or Harrogate, if at all. We always carried a threat, just didn't show that threat anywhere near enough. |
Your post and Durham's sum it all up Wesser.
For the past six years in Division Four we have only ever been reactive, never proactive. When I was learning how to play football you played to win, had an attack, tried to score goals and impose, nay assert yourself upon the opposition.
For years now Colchester have only ever reacted. We play according to how we think the opposition will play or how the do initially play. It's why we rarely look ready to take the field let alone play a game of football - even at home. It is why we have only one so called attacker. Imagine a county cricket team taking the field with 7 bowlers, three all rounders and a wicketkeeper and still expecting the latter to take a wicket or two.
We are one dimensional .................again and that is why we are mid table .............again and why we are inconsistent................ again.
New manager - early days of course - but the evidence is that he learned lots from his predecessor. As The Who would sing "same as the old boss".
Gerken - yes, I'd rest him too; trouble is that action should have happened last year when we had the best keeper I've seen for the U's for years, but he's gone. And that's another outcome of the Colchester Caution. Bohui is the new Brown, Brown is the new Bonne and so on and so on. Good players like Ross, Hanlan, Collins, Bonne get so few chances due to management that is a cloned creation-free zone that they leave.
Marine? Step 4, same as Maldon & Tiptree, doubt they'll be quaking in their boots. We'll probably wait to see how they play and get through to half time 1-1.
And I'd go further than you Wesser...........the irony of all this is indeed those 6 points, because I'd say we've deserved zilch from the last 12 yet, as you say, somehow we have procured 50%. Heading for 12th place then.
Just play some forwards and see what happens.....................just for once take the game to the opposition, press and see! |  |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 10:58 - Oct 28 with 506 views | durham_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 09:22 - Oct 28 by NME_cufc |
Your post and Durham's sum it all up Wesser.
For the past six years in Division Four we have only ever been reactive, never proactive. When I was learning how to play football you played to win, had an attack, tried to score goals and impose, nay assert yourself upon the opposition.
For years now Colchester have only ever reacted. We play according to how we think the opposition will play or how the do initially play. It's why we rarely look ready to take the field let alone play a game of football - even at home. It is why we have only one so called attacker. Imagine a county cricket team taking the field with 7 bowlers, three all rounders and a wicketkeeper and still expecting the latter to take a wicket or two.
We are one dimensional .................again and that is why we are mid table .............again and why we are inconsistent................ again.
New manager - early days of course - but the evidence is that he learned lots from his predecessor. As The Who would sing "same as the old boss".
Gerken - yes, I'd rest him too; trouble is that action should have happened last year when we had the best keeper I've seen for the U's for years, but he's gone. And that's another outcome of the Colchester Caution. Bohui is the new Brown, Brown is the new Bonne and so on and so on. Good players like Ross, Hanlan, Collins, Bonne get so few chances due to management that is a cloned creation-free zone that they leave.
Marine? Step 4, same as Maldon & Tiptree, doubt they'll be quaking in their boots. We'll probably wait to see how they play and get through to half time 1-1.
And I'd go further than you Wesser...........the irony of all this is indeed those 6 points, because I'd say we've deserved zilch from the last 12 yet, as you say, somehow we have procured 50%. Heading for 12th place then.
Just play some forwards and see what happens.....................just for once take the game to the opposition, press and see! |
Pinault - totally agree, it is just so frustrating.
Up the U's | |
| |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 18:27 - Oct 28 with 449 views | noah4x4 |
Two words sum up my feelings about U's tactics in the last eight years....
Humes Out! |  | | |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 22:34 - Oct 28 with 422 views | noah4x4 |
I think you have more chance of coming up with a solution on an archaeological dig Wessex than the U's one dimension management will achieve on the training pitch since Humes appointment.
Teams have now sussed us out. Double up on Harriott, Senior or Poku, who will lose the ball. Deep press as other than Stephenson and Welch-Hayes, our passing skills lack penetration. Indeed pass (unless backwards) isn't in most of our forwards vocabulary that would sooner dribble up blind alleys. Norris or Brown are then isolated with zero service.
Repeatedly, Ball has used second half substitutes to change the shape and personal with some success. But why does he not start with those? We have been watching these same tactics for at least five years. Nobody has given past management more support than me, but it's now obvious we are one trick ponies. To paraphrase Brian Clough, if Humes isn't interfering with play, what is he doing? | | | |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 08:07 - Oct 29 with 403 views | wessex_exile |
| Super U's to prevail against the Exiles in the Principality tonight on 22:34 - Oct 28 by noah4x4 |
I think you have more chance of coming up with a solution on an archaeological dig Wessex than the U's one dimension management will achieve on the training pitch since Humes appointment.
Teams have now sussed us out. Double up on Harriott, Senior or Poku, who will lose the ball. Deep press as other than Stephenson and Welch-Hayes, our passing skills lack penetration. Indeed pass (unless backwards) isn't in most of our forwards vocabulary that would sooner dribble up blind alleys. Norris or Brown are then isolated with zero service.
Repeatedly, Ball has used second half substitutes to change the shape and personal with some success. But why does he not start with those? We have been watching these same tactics for at least five years. Nobody has given past management more support than me, but it's now obvious we are one trick ponies. To paraphrase Brian Clough, if Humes isn't interfering with play, what is he doing? |
None of which I necessarily disagree with, but it still doesn’t mean Humes is responsible. As to what does he do, difficult to know for certain, as I’ve never seen his job description. However, traditionally a DoF usually focuses on matters such as scouting, recruitment, long-term strategies, club adminstration etc., leaving the Head Coach/ Manager to concentrate on the playing side of things. | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.