Thetownend.com

On Sky.

Another relegation six pointer going on in Morecambe vs Tranmere. Big opportunity to gain ground on one of them with a win.

Heavy rain and 60mph winds. I reckon this will be off.
Hopefully not as i've got tickets for my lad and I.

A 2-0 win to round off a half decent Christmas period.

Colchester have only lost one of their last ten games but have become a draw specialist on their travels drawing seven out of ten winning just one and two losses.

Expecting a tight game 2-1 home win

It’s about time the football league arranged derby matches/local as possible the day after New Years Eve not fixtures where the two teams are 150+ miles apart.

No expectations, should win, could win, could well lose.

Colchester are trending around the 7th to 8th most in form team over 10 and 6 games and recent home and away.

It's going to be a test. We need a win really. Suspect a draw.

Would 3 points be enough from the 3 Christmas games? They'd be hard fought for sure, we'd probably have been losing a couple of those not do long ago.

I guess you can't overlook the fact there were 2 tough away games there.

And yet, and yet lose this and Notts County and it's improved performances but a very  poor points return.

Ugh.

For some reason. Some bizarre unfounded reason, I think will get 4 points next 2 games but this will be a draw.

What ??,   Win at Notts County Batch ?,  Can’t see it.

I didn't say it was logical!

I'm going to Notts c. No doubt now I've said that I'll be in hooters by 1

Ejected for having "grabby hands" by 1:10pm :)

Haha. Got the Mrs in tow so doubtful

But not impossible....

I still think Notts Co are potentially the best footballing team in this div. Not much competition granted, but a draw there would be brilliant

Not bothering with the football then Batch?  Or have I totally misunderstood what you are saying, possibly?

yeah 12:30 kick off haha.

It's a 12:30 kick off. Now I've made a bold prediction of winning we'll be 4-0 down inside 20. Hence leaving for hooters by 1.

Sky Sports app still has it as 3pm KO

Notts I was talking about sorry. Colchester still 3pm.

Yeah Notts. Sorry for the confusion, though hooters should be a giveaway

Speaking of Notts.

I looked at the top half of the L2 table for the first time in a while.

Bloody hell, second place (Wimbledon, Notts, Doncaster, Port Vale, & Grimsby) are closer in points to Newport in 18th than they are to Walsall in 1st.

For added context we are 16 points away from sexond place. Second place is 12 points away from first place.

7 points separate the 2nd - 14th !

Ah ok, that makes sense. :)

https://x.com/experimental361/status/1874000593397964813?s=48&t=b29bKuamH1MDu3Q4QeGcGA

Ah yeah, sorry, crossed wires on my part

It’s another long one😁
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tajahTbjaEk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyI4eiqHt9A

When Cloughie and Taylor were ruling the roost for Derby and Nottingham Forest, Taylor used to disguise himself, watch from  the stands to assess teams and individual players.  Once, they were going to sign a player, but just watching the warm up before the game Taylor decided against it and immediately left.  There's also the story of Bill Shankly when Liverpool manager was going to sign a Scottish player unknown to him and was in the changing room advising him on the correct way to use a broom to clean the floor.  The player didn't take his advice and continued not to use the broom correctly with the result that Shankly didn't sign him.  I think that Holloway is getting it right even if he goes on about it for too long.

No buses today  ::)

Get walking 4D.  : :bye: :D

 :car:

Ha, ha.  Not bothering myself, will  be in the warm watching it on Sky.  (Loyal Supporter).  :D :D

Six games already off in league one, two off in league two.

When was our last late call off at home? I recall an extended stay in the Glue Pot when we were supposed to be playing Accrington/Altrincham

Only seen one off in League 1 so far?

Same here🤔

Feels like a big game for the vibes, after a few draws. A win could take us to the dizzy heights of 19th, but equally we could be back in the relegation zone today with a loss (albeit it would need to be a fairly spectacular one).

So probably a draw to continue the general "it's better, but it's not actually good" thing we have going on.

I know the games are picked in advance but Swindon v Colchester is such a strange choice, and I assume it's only been picked because of the Holloway factor. On paper, Notts County v Walsall (3rd v 1st) looks a cracker.

Not complaining really, assume it's more cash in the coffers. (Whose coffers is a different conversation)

Wonder if we'll carry on the recent windy game pattern and win 3-1 with a missed penalty.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GgNojQWXUAE_5kM?format=jpg&name=large)

Probably our strongest current line up for me, bar Kilkenny.

How come Ofoborh is both playing and on the bench

& Cox
Admin error

Because Anthony Hall is on social media duties today.

I did notice but assumed the starting line up is right.

Longelo on the bench instead of Ofoborh

And Kilkenny.

No defensive players among seven on the bench. Hopefully Delaney and co are fully fit!

Longelo has played all accross the back for Accrington, but we do need defensive backup this window for sure.

Swindon v Colchester has never, ever been a remotely exciting fixture ever.
Why on earth anyone would want to put that on TV god only knows…

Any build up for this is or is all going to be QPR v Watford reaction on Sky?

They will keep the viewing numbers as long as is possible..  let's face it, only STFC and ColU fans will be tuning in for this one

We're on now. Colchester starting Egbo, Payne and Iandolo.

Shots of the ground with hardly any orange hats and then one last one of DRS and they're everywhere.

Are the glitch sound issues my tv or sky in general?

Yours I think

I am getting cut outs every few seconds

Super Sammy Parkin on comms.

Yeah I've got the choppy sound now as well.

Colchester perhaps surprisingly a keep ball and pass side so far. Much more Garner than Cowley, perhaps conditions related.

I hope this is the last we see of Barden

Barden very lucky there. Stupid mistake.

Think we need a better keeper

Let off, Delaney's back pass perfectly reasonable to Barden who dawdles for ages and is closed down, deflection not towards the net or it'd be 0-1.

Let dont look up for this today.

1-0 Wright free kick that might have touched Clarke on the way in

HAVE IT

Ollie Clarke's goal

Quite the stats on Sky there. Will Wright has the most chances created, passes into the oppo box and passes in the final third in our side. I know he takes free kicks but bloody hell.

Adds another £50k onto the price to Dongs

£60k it is!

:D

I guess corners count towards all of those?

Good save from Clarke strike from outside the box. Corner

Great bit of play between Smith and Tshimanga. Shot by Smith well saved.

I reckon we’d be about 8 points better off if we had Colchester’s keeper (based on these 26 minutes)

Another shot from outside the box, this time from Smith, well saved.

We seem to be shooting from anywhere, which is a strange one. Another from Cotterill there.

Wish we'd done this against fucking Barrow!

Colchester goalkeeper save % second highest in the division at 74.4%, we're second bottom at 59.8%

So yep, I'd certainly swap.

Don’t think Kennedy believed in shooting

Clash of heads involving Smith who has a nose bleed. Big delay

1-1 Payne (pen)

Cheap.
Hardly any contact but that’s a penalty these days.

1-1

Oh Joel.

Only thing Colchester have had all half…

It was a dive. He looked for contact and went to ground.

Barden nearly got to the penalty. A good one right in the left corner

Fuck sake honestly. Actually played so decent and it's 1 fucking 1.

And they have the wind in the second half

Carlisle drawing, Accrington losing, Harrogate losing, morecambe vs tranmere 0-0.

We looked good that half I think. Cotterill his usual poor self sadly, waste of a loan spot and with any luck, he’ll be sent back. These are definitely there for the taking, and if not for a couple of smart stops from their keeper, we could have had a couple more. Big half this

Until the penalty I thought we played quite well.

Better side again overall but,dangerously, again we've become second best since conceding. HT comes at a good time for us. Midfield for us is very good so far. Crosses in and we can win this. Wright again outstanding.

Wind isn’t too effective today tbf.

Harsh on Cotterill.  Earlier in the season I would agree, but not now.. 

Better team until the penalty. Colchester very much not playing like a classic Cowley side. Really not sure Smith should be on the pitch, he looked like he was out cold. Head knocks in football scare me.

Fair enough mate. Can’t say I watched Bromley, but even in the other games recently, don’t think he’s been up to much. Such a passive midfielder for me

Think Cotterill has improved, but Payne is showing what a player in that position can offer. God I miss him.

Very soft pen but can't complain really. Poorly given away by Cotterill.

Barden is fucking wank. Get him gone.

Other than the last couple of mins we've been the better side. Come on Town

This.

Absolutely. Constantly buzzing around and driving his team forward. Maybe too much to ask from an inexperienced player like Cotterill, but he seems more intent on not making a mistake rather than taking a risk and driving us forwards.

MOTM against AFC Wimbledon.  Is he a Dan Kemp, no..  but none of our players are.  He's been better since being moved into his natural position, so saying he is passive is unfair IMO. 

Quieter start to the second half, but Colchester look sharper.

Smith going off. Drinan coming on

Smith's nose looks broken to me, either that or cheekbone - could be a big miss for a while

Smith off, not exactly sure if it's head injury related as it looks like he might have a tight calf as well. Drinan on.

Don and John getting a little close up on Sky, which is nice.

Interesting to see Fitton sitting with them...

Was that who it was? Looked a bit old but I suppose I have not seen Andrew Fitton for 15 years.

Well that was comically shit

How has Barden only got a yellow here haha

Another fucking pen

Shocking all around

You know what - I think VAR reverses both those decisions

Absolutely a foul on Barden first, but if you give the penalty, Barden has not tried to stop the ball there. Messy defending and refereeing.

1-2 Payne (pen)

Lucky not to be a red card. 

Bit weird we weren't more angry with the ref? We've just accepted a bit of a stinker there.

VAR & Colchester are down to 10 for diving !!

That's a fucking foul on Barden. Bollocks!!!

Gordon should have been sent off for a foul on Barden.

The CF dived AGAIN for the penalty

Refs fucked us here.

You'd back payne to beat barden from 12 yards 100 times out of 100.

We need a new keeper yesterday. Barden shouldn't play for us again. Yes he got fouled there but he simply isn't up to it. Calamitous situation earlier he was very fortunate to get out of.

He's the best goalkeeper at the club currently, but that isn't saying much.

Terrible again.

That would have been one hell of a goal

What a move!

Drinan unlucky to hit the post

Oh look who it is. We must be losing.

This lot do like a theatrical fall over don't they

It isn't

We've been the better team, just very unlucky with a few decisions. We're not a good enough side to survive bad luck.

First half hour was the best I've seen us play for while.

Refs a fucking moron, sadly.

Morecambe have scored. Jesus.

He hasn't quite reached that level.

We’ve gone back to taking risks at the back again.

Hi beautiful.

ColU have got this ref exactly where they want him..

Ref has done us this game.

First penalty I’m not convinced by but kinda get why a ref / Lino would give it in real time.
Second penalty is just wow…play should have been stopped before it got there & even then the contact is minimal.

We’ve been ok. Small margins. A bit better up front, a bit stronger defensively, their keeper a bit shitter & we are probably winning.

Think if we’d scored the second goal of the game that would have killed it off.

I'd be interested to see how Colchesters' wage bill compares to ours. They seem to have some 'big names'

Carlisle winning.

Accrington winning.

Carlisle winning as well.

Disaster.

2-2 Drinan!

The results are not going out way. But hey, at least we played well in the first half. soapy tit wank.

2-2

Get in!

Fuck me I'm miles behind. Goals just gone in.

The irony of ColU players complaining about Longelo diving :D

Processed Beats has left the chat.

Butterworth should have gone down in the box then!

Is he actually a town fan? I like a moan with the best of them when it's warranted but genuinely only see his posts when we've lost or conceded.

Cox hits the crossbar

Fuckin chuffed for Drinan. He deserved that goal. Come on!!!!!

Attendance 7,680 pretty decent considering the weather and minimal away support.

Ofoborh puts it wide!

Iandolo sent off. Second yellow. Foul on Glatzel

Crewe goal 2-2 vs Carlisle

Penalty!!!!!

3-2 Cox (pen)

Goooooooooaaaaal

Hi beautiful.

Ian Holloway red and white army...

Wow. Wow wow wow. Needed that. Huge three points if they hold on.

FT 3-2 Wow!!!!

What a win that is. Bizarre game, but what a win.

Unbelievable, think the ref wanted to even things up.

Crewe scored again as well 3-2 there too. Fuck me. Gone from disaster to dreamland.

COYMRs

Well done Cox, thank you for that.

2 terrible penalty decisions. But that great fun, if exhausting viewing. Deserved the win as well. COYR

Well that was a fully fully deserved 3 points. Never ever did we warrant anything less. GET IN!!!!

Blimey that last ten minutes was wild! Great to win a game like that, fair play to Cox for stepping up and taking the pen.

Massive 3 points on Carlisle, Harrogate and Tranmere. Same as we were this morning with Accrington

Yes, get in you bastard cunting reds…

Probably the least soft of the 3 penalties given. Glad we will tucked one away.
Apart from maybe 5 minute either side of half time we were easily the better side. Much more threatening too

 a pretty remarkable result in the end . We are floating away from the bottom as the tide rises again .

Completely deserved. Col U were atrocious and would not have scored in a month of Sunday’s without those penalties. Keeps the feel-good factor and the unbeaten run going. Get in

Absoutely massive result. Ref is a total cunt.

Whoever picked Swindon v Colchester for the TV obviously knew something we didn’t.

Was probably a quite eventful enjoyable game for any neutral that bothered with it.

Unbeaten in 2025 8)

1st time this season I have actually shouted out loud when we scored.

The trend of winning at home and drawing away usually gets you in the play offs if you don't have to start with a massive Mark Kennedy black hole to dig out of.

A mention for Glatzel,who helped change the game

I have a few lately.

It's nice for it not to just be a shrug of indifference if a goal goes in either end.

Agreed and Drinan.

Carlisle doing a Swindon. Winning in the 93rd minute.
Lost the game.

Not a chance was there nearly 8000 there, but we know that already don't we..

Yes, I thought he played really well today.

Fuck me...I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Town game that much. Massive, massive win for so many reasons...Need to have a think about MOM now...

ColU shouldn't have even had a sniff of that game, ref's had a shocker but so, so happy Town got a deserved win. First time Holloway's subs have really kicked on and changed the game for the positive, credit to him for that. Massive result.

Whisper it but I’m starting to enjoy watching us play again… who’d a thought!?

Yeah, the only way the result could have been any better was if he got the winner from open play.
Would have done his confidence the world of good.

All the subs came on & played well.

Regardless of how the season is going, there is nothing better than a late equaliser and later winner in a game you've got the short end of a few refereeing decisions.

Oh yes,Drinan should be starting. He's a fucking warrior

+ having an ex player sent off !!

That reminded me of the type of performamce that a Macari team of the 80s delivered. Lots of huff and puff and endeavour, then somehow finding a way to win late.

100%

Wasn’t that down to the fitness of the squad.

And Bristol City conceded a 91st minute equaliser to the bottom of the league. Can the day get any better?

It is a shame we don’t get any info on the referees post match reports by the clubs and their assessor..

For the first time this season, the Football League Show becomes essential viewing.

Remember another player called Cox scoring a last minute penalty a few years ago.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3x0cm

Christ almighty,what a switchback ride that was. With 10 minutes to go looked like we were gonna back in the bottom 2! We've found resilience,almost as if the players suddenly realised they might be non leaguers.

Yep. Remember that well

Good point! I'd given up on watching that :)

Me too. If Clem and the crooks fuck off I'm first in line for a season ticket with a fist full of 50s. Someone save us.

Well the win today wasn't down to quality was it? The team kept going. The running by Drinan and Glatzel (and poss Longelo) when they came on was the difference for me. Pinned them back. Drew free kicks. Gave us lots of chances.

Wow leave the room for 10 minutes and missed all the fun!

Great result and have to give Holloway some credit for making them believe that they can get results when all seems lost.

To be fair, I think Holloway deserves a LOT of credit...

Agreed :clap:

We’re back in Lee Power territory again! Honestly think we deserve a decent owner. That’s not just someone chucking money at it, but someone who cares about the club.

Don't want to go on too much about Bristol City but there was page after page regarding Holloway's return to football. The vast majority were predicting a drop to the National League and worth having a punt about Holloway being gone by the New Year.

Since mid-December, not a peep.

On OTIB, I should add.

His subs have improved massively last 4 or 5 games.

Two things that stand out from a few weeks ago was how much stick both Holloway and Smith were getting now all of a sudden we’re grateful for both!

Holloway:
- What a day! What a game! Had everything didn't it? Deja vu with the weather
- Delighted with what the lads did. All of them!
- Their first goal. Should have just killed it.
- First was the only real penalty of the day
- Second half, we could have cleared it. Our keeper was fouled and they got a penalty
- The subs made a difference. They don't sulk. They come on and do their job
- Couldn't watch the penalty. Cox grabbed it. We practiced yesterday and Cox scored 13 out of 13. Then missed the 14th!
- Rotation helped. Fresh players to bring on
- Holloway has already picked the team for the next game
- Kilkenny was rested. Ofoborh didnt deserve to be dropped. Neither did Longelo, but Holloway wanted extra defensive cover
- Couldn't have asked for anything more
- They are wearing the shirt like a Town fan would
- They keep going. They fight for everything. Its absolutely wonderful
- The decisions weren't right. No idea what a foul is anymore
- Smith is a bit fuzzy. Unlike him. Hope he'll be alright. Nose rather than his head. Now has a nose like the M4
- Always tell the players the truth. They trust him.
- Noone blamed Sobowale for his mistake. They just got on with it and pulled the game back
- They are playing for their Swindon lives. As manager, Holloway is playing for his life and to extend his stay. The more of this he sees, the less he'll have to do in the transfer window
- Swindon record over the last few years has been scandalous. With players, managers and staff.
- Holloway wants people to wear the shirt as they did today. Even if they get it wrong, Holloway will support them and he believes in them
......Then the feed was cut

Same on yellows forum too. They dont care about us though apparently.

Smith never really got stick for how he played, he got it for the dumb red earlier in the season and for pushing Bycroft, attitude stuff. Think Holloway actually called him out for being negative in one presser early on.

Been key recently. Not our best player, but the most important.

I appreciate that I am in a minority but am pretty ambivalent about Oxford. Rovers were fine but I realise that some of their fans are, shall we say, living in a different time (mid '70's).
City have got a cracking stadium, an owner who is a fan and continues to prop them up financially and a pretty good recent history, especially in comparison to ours.
This all seems to suggest that my dislike of them is, to a large extent, based on jealousy which might not be far off the mark. Bristol Bears were having a fantastic season until they were thrashed by the mighty Sale to nil last Friday but obviously I hate them as well because of where they ply their trade.
I need an intervention.

I think Smith was getting frustrated with lack of service etc but couldn’t be faulted for the effort he was putting in but he did overstep the mark a few times and think you’re right in saying Holloway called him out.

Dunno, I thought there was a bit more meat on the bones in the stands today.

Well, I went today, watched a game sober for the first time in ages and thought we played pretty well in patches. Scrub the last 10 of the 1st half and the 1st 20 of the second. Stand off, get punished. Play with some gusto and we had them right on the back foot. Thought the crowd got behind them today, again in patches. You could see the ColU players looking rattled when the players and crowd ramped it up a bit. Felt great after the plastic cockneys were giving it the biggun. "All that way for nothing"  :D
Enjoy a miserable journey home  :smugfu:

That's what football is about. Yes the ref was dodgy, yes it isn't pretty though there are moments.

But a 98th minute winner turned our Christmas haul from meh to good. 3 though games that

Moreover we are now playing for points not style stats.

Brilliant.

Did Payne somehow send his boot to the arkells roof after the game? Saw a post on twitter but can't see how that's possible!

I saw what looked like a water bottle flying upwards.

Apologies chaps,  Grandson had got hold of my phone and scrolled the fixtures across to the 11th January.
Sorry if I confused you,  but great result today -  had virtually given up on the game after 80 minutes.
Still buzzing.  

Because they knew it was going to be a cracker.  💥💥💥

Had to follow on the Townend only today.

Even so that was proving quite emotional.

Was naturally cautious about the good start and then gutted by the soft pen and then the calamitous stolen pen  As someone commented (but not Holloway or the players!) we're not good enough at the moment to overcome poor decisions. I concurred.

We can clash in our opinions and especially in hard times, as now.  But I was angry with YOU Processed Beats as I felt you were trolling at a time when we are struggling.  On an afternoon when, through no fault of our own, we were all hurt by what was unfolding.  It's fcuking annoying to take that from one of our own.

Others might chant at us "You're not very good" but the spirit and pride and drive presently being shown on the pitch by the squad, supported by the crowd and encouraged by Holloway is special in its way.  The Gods did finally smile on us today but we kinda deserved it.

I think Holloway has that something special about that most managers dont - probably last time we saw that was in Di Canio. Not everyone’s cup of tea but long may it continue

Didn’t Tishy Manga score a last gasp winner in that FA Cup tie as well? They must be well sick of us.

. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n46bdKXJAZQ

. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeYXvYAVB18&pp=ygUPc3dpbmRvbiB0b3duIGZj

.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfjNgpTSSKo

Emphatic? Do they mean dramatic?

Rushed Journalism!

A D M I N
E R R O R tm

So much to enjoy about a win like that. Credit to the players - who got stuck in and forced the result, and credit it where it’s due to Holloway too. We’re turning the corner here.

In a way, that’s the best kind of win. 3 points, a late winner, lots of positives to take, but also some areas where we can learn from and improve. Fair play to Cox for stepping up - it took guts to do that, after he had (I thought) a shaky game by his standards, and should have buried the chance that hit the crossbar with a few minutes to go.

Experienced keeper, some pace and width, and we’ll look a lot stronger.

Bring on Notts County. It’s likely to be a very tough game, against an impressive and technical side. A point would be a good result.

https://x.com/kozzy78/status/1874491559024136584?s=46&t=JFJ6WuyoqR937j03pvTFhQ

The Cheltenham fan has posted the 2nd Col U penalty, can’t believe that wasn’t a foul against Barden.

First half hour I thought we always looked like scoring and every time we lost it, we looked like getting it back. They struggled to get out of their half.

Which is why conceding was such a kick in the balls (and the second one quite literally for Barden)

1st half under so much control, then conceded the first penalty and all the errors and stupid play came out and we were pretty awful up until the barrage of subs. Penalties aside Colchester didn't create a lot and the win was deserved based on chances created when we were on top.

We are heavily dependent on smith and when he's on the pitch no harm in that and it's effective. Tshimanga still way way short of a first 11 player, never seen a player jump for a head so many times and get no where near it, in fact the whole squad should be made to work on headers if we are playing a long game. 50 pence the lot of them.

Fantastic points return for the Xmas period and we really need to kick on and get to the magic safety points. Can't beat a last minute winner

8 weeks ago, conceding that second penalty would have seen us curl up and die. We have become a more resilient side recently and have got some fight back. Good to see  :pint:

Drama!!

We actually scored a penalty!

Backed up those away points with a win.

Three dodgy pens. From the TE i thought the first one was, too far away for the second and baffled by ours.

Ref had a bad day for sure, i do think Glatz stumbled for the red card too.

We are harder to beat, dont give up, battle when required....a massive improvement!

Jutty called ours  :)
Seeing the highlights, their fella did touch the ball with his hand.

That's probably the best referee decision I have seen in years. No appeals, well positioned, called it instantly. Shame about the others. The slow mo foul on our keeper for their 2nd is awful

Really enjoyable end to the game yesterday, and to be fair no more than we deserved really. I always try and avoid discussing referees but it was clear his decisions had a big effect on the overall outcome of the game. I thought the award of the free kick for our goal was generous, I think Tshimanga was appealing for a corner but got a free kick. Beautiful delivery by Wright and one of those connections by Clarke that is perfect. If he gets a head on it, it probably flies miles over the bar. We seemed pretty comfortable after that and I was just about to write in our Whatsapp Group how Cotterill's performance was irritating me when he contributed in giving the ball away and then giving away a penalty. I personally thought it was a stonewaller. The connection with Anderson was minimal, but you can't dangle the leg like he did and get away with it. Barden was close, but not enough. Sickener to go in at half time level really.

Second half we started a little sluggish but gradually grew into the game. The only time Colchester looked dangerous was when we fannied about with it too much, this happened for their second goal, Sobowale's header back was short, but Barden got their ahead of Gordon whose studs up challenge should have seen us get a free kick and a second yellow for the Colchester forward. Amazingly the ref played on and all Anderson needed to do was to put the ball in the empty net. Instead Barden dangled out his leg and Anderson, after being given a generous penalty in the first half decided to try and get Barden sent off (I assume) going down feebly. I was staggered to see a penalty awarded and when your luck's out, it's out as Barden gets a hand to the penalty but can't keep it out.

After that I think we took control of the game, we did look like a rick at the back was a possibility but nearly scored an absolute worldy of a breakaway goal when Drinan hit the bar, great movement and neat play into him by Tshimanga. at that stage I could see Colchester tiring and our better use of subs paid dividends as Butterworth's ball over the ailing Egbo's head was brilliantly controlled and finished by Drinan, Really pleased for him as someone who always gives 100%. Then Cox hits the bar with a good chance and it looks like the points are to be shared. But the referee had one more trick up his sleeve, the header onto the outstretched hand of the defender, I guess in the handball rules is a penalty, but one where you would be gutted had it happened at the other end. I had money on Swindon to miss a penalty and thankfully saw a red cross against that bet as George Cox sent the keeper for a twix.

It has to be said, Ian Holloway deserves a lot of credit for what he's getting out of this side. There is determination, belief and a never say die attitude, with a sprinkling of skill. Some of the football at times is very good, it's still in fits and starts but he is getting the most out of these players and our run over Christmas has taken us from being in a dire relegation battle with Morecambe and Carlisle to being still in a relegation battle, but now with 6 teams involved. Notts County away is tough, if we can grab a point there, it will be a tremendous festive/new year period.

Entirely another debate but that game is massively different with VAR!

First penalty - I thought was a penalty in real time, so I can see why Ref / Lino gave it. Watch other angles & slow motion Anderson has made contact with Cotterill rather than the other way round. It’s conceivable that VAR not only over turns the penalty but Anderson gets booked for diving.

Second penalty - I thought was a penalty in real time *IF* you completely ignore the foul on Barden which was a clear foul as any you will ever see in your life. Watching different angles & slow motion again & the contact is minimal. I can only assume Anderson has taken a tumble there because either he doesn’t fancy himself to score into an open net or he thinks he can get the keeper sent off. If that goes to VAR then it’s never a penalty due to the foul in the build up. Gordon could have had a straight red for said challenge or the minimum a yellow (which would have been his second one) if you ignore all of that Anderson could be booked for diving again.

Third penalty - in real time I had no idea what it had been given for. First replay, still no idea. Third replay & different angle. It clearly hits the defenders arm, his arm is up, in an unnatural position & he probably gains a (slim) advantage by the ball not going deeper into the box. No intent there at all. Soft but the most penalty of all three on closer look yet the least looking one in real time.

Felt the contact between Iandolo & Glaztel was non existent. Looked a foul in real time, no in the replays.

I don’t know whether that’s an advert for or against VAR at our level.

Ultimately I’d say we were definitely the better side & utterly deserved the win regardless of how we eventually got there.

Enjoyable game and a wonderful way to win a football match.  That penalty was huge, especially given other results and those 3 points will be vital for us moving forward.

A very good Christmas and NY period so far with 2 home wins and 2 away draws, certainly something to build upon and hopefully we can build on the positive feelings after the win yesterday.  Still alot of work to do but there are some green shoots.  Credit where it is due and fair play to Holloway too for the way he has managed the squad and substitutions over the last couple of weeks.

If we can go up to Nottingham on Saturday and get a point I would be delighted and another step in the right direction.  Up the Town!

The best thing for me is the way we played after Smith went off. So important to us,so to come back like that without him was so satisfying once again proving the worth of Drinan. That move which ended with him hitting the post/bar was quality quick fire football

I forgot to mention my fury at the refs lack of action against Gordon.

Tries to castrate Barden with his challenge before diving for theit second penalty THEN, during the delay and inquisition, he approaches the players ariound the ref (from a "That was fuck all to do with me so I'm staying out of it" distance) and shoves one of our players in the chest. Yellow card at minimum surely?

Indeed. Aside from Port Vale v Cheltenham there were plenty of goals about in League 2 yesterday. Ours one of 3 games finishing 3-2. Isn't Hindsight wonderful.

Mildy must have been having Pompey away in 97 flashbacks when that challenge went in on Barden 🤣

I agree with your penalty analysis - ours was the most nailed on but still soft. The second Iandolo yellow was definitely a foul, but surely he actually got the yellow for kicking the ball away? Absolutely brain dead decision by Ellis there.

With Holloway seemingly rowing back on his comments about the orange hats, and also not looking for any fights for a few weeks, his popularity seems to be growing.

Therefore, can we please sort out the song. It’s either “We are ‘Ollie’s Red and White Army”, or “Holloways Red and White Army”. “We are Holloways….” doesn’t fit. The enthusiastic lad in the flasher mack, tie and flat cap at the back of the DRS tries his best, but someone needs to let him know.

I liked everything Holloway had to say after the match. He acknowledged the turnover of staff and players as being unacceptable (hat is in the post Ian). Interview’s are easier after a win, but he talked sense.

Living rent free in thier heads since 1962.

Looking at the Colchester forum, some of them are still confident on reaching the play offs, we are concentraiting on not getting relegated, yet, we are just 3 points behind them in the table!

They played some neat stuff but with little end product and, tbh, if we can come from behind and beat them they just ain’t good enough for the top 7.

Maybe we can do a Doncaster!

Majority also think we're a very poor side, all the decisions that went out way were poor from the ref and Barden should have seen red. Clueless delusional Essex boys

Actually why didn't barden see red. DOGSO with no attempt to play the ball.

Yes they do almost all think we are shit, but who won? :) they didnt look like a side on a 10 game unbeaten run to me.

I think the rule changed a few years ago, as soon as he awards the penalty then it's a yellow for the DOGSO (unless the challenge was deemed reckless), if he had done that outside the area then it would have been a red

I thought an attempt had to be made to play the ball though.

Ah well, it matters not I suppose

One thing that did make me laugh with Holloway post match was the little laugh at Colchester fans singing "2-1 and you fucked it up" and it backfiring. Modern managers would never acknowledge something like that.

DOGSO ??

Denying (an) Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity. It's abbreviated that way in the laws of the game.

It is such an odd league.  I didn't think that Grimsby were much cop the other week yet up they are 2 points outside the automatic promotion spots.

I guess that is what Division 4/League Two football is all about.  Turning up on the day, putting in effort, fighting for the win and getting the odd bit of luck and a refereeing decision or two.

Yeah, I liked that too :)

Definitely a lot of basics in there. Fitness used to play a huge part as well and under Di Canio we won a lot of games late. It still will to an extend but in the era of 5 subs, how you use them is just as important.

Exactly this, the game has changed since the advent of 5 subs, thats partly why there are so many 85+min goals now I think. Fresh legs in important positions. It used tobe that every player had to be able to run for 95 mins solid, thats not important now.

There are more subs, but how they get used is quite similar to when there are three - they're almost always used on attacking players, you hardly ever see a fit CB subbed. So games tend to end with fresh attackers Vs tired defenders. Unsurprisingly, goals result.

I'd only really considered us, Morecambe, Carlisle, Harrogate, Accrington and Tranmere part of this relegation battle.

But after our recent run of results we're one place and 2 points below Newport who have Wimbledon tonight in one of their two games in hand over us. Up the Wombles!

Colchester put a fresh defender on in the 96th minute !!

I think in this league if you can consistently pick up results then you have a chance, ala what Colchester have been doing, they didn't look anything special but looked like they could grind out results when they went ahead the time time wasting, the little fouls, the packing of everyone behind the ball, its what they do and it works for them mostly this season.

I saw a table that shows we are 4th in the L2 form table over the last 6 games, would not have expected that 6 games ago.

I now think it is crucial he who cannot be named finds these players Holloway wants to add a bit of extra quality to keep this form going and get that nice gap between us and the bottom 2, I expect Carlisle to sign a few in this window.

Looking ahead a bit, we play Newport, Barrow and then Tranmere at the end of Jan. At the moment those look like 3 winnable games and a great chance to mingle with lower-midtable.

Not for 1 minute am I suggesting we can emulate them but.....

On 1st Jan 2022 Bristol Rovers were in 18th place and won promotion.
Also, on 1st Jan 2024 Doncaster Rovers were in 19th place and got to the final of the play offs.

Not you drinking the bloody toilet duck as well JJ!! ;)

Townenders has a neat feature where you can see old tables at specific dates e.g.

https://townenders.com/table.php?date=2024-01-01&season=2023-2024&structure_code=M&competition_code=EFL&tier=4&section_code=0&stage_code=R&round_code=0&round_section_code=0&group_code=0

Doncaster had on 28 points from 25 games

Bristol Rovers 26 from 21

https://townenders.com/table.php?date=2022-01-01&season=2021-2022&structure_code=M&competition_code=EFL&tier=4&section_code=0&stage_code=R&round_code=0&round_section_code=0&group_code=0

We have 24 from 24.

We'd be a bigger turnaround than either. If it happens, it'll be a lot of fun.

Never happening. Id snatch your hand off if 19th was offered.

Keep drinking the bleach with your pal Robinz

Harry Smith has posted 'busted nose, see you in the Mbappe mask on Saturday' which suggests he'll be playing come what may.

Not sure a broken nose is ideal for a target man though - Mbappe not usually looking to get his head on things.

You have your wish. Plus Bromley have stuffed Gills away. Makes our 2 away points from them 2 look even more decent.

Carlisle are splashing the cash, signing Blackpool midfielder Elliot Embleton, today, on a three-and-a-half year deal for starters.  Embleton played in the Championship for Sunderland.  Wonder if his deal will affect the moral of the rest of the squad.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cevgm72l2gpo


The Town could have been level on points with Carlisle if both Crewe and ourselves had not turned things around, yesterday.  Expect more pricey signings for them before the end of the window.