Colchester's good form came to an abrupt end as they travelled to mid-table Norwich City.

They had a 13-man squad but, because of work commitments, were without influential midfielder Craig Warrener.

Colchester were in control during a hard-fought first half and took an early lead. Mark Kennedy pushed forward from right-back and picked out Simon Taylor in the D, who deflected the ball past the Norwich keeper.

Colchester continued to press but without adding to their tally. Norwich started the brighter of the sides after half-time and forced an early penalty corner. This was duly dispatched into the corner of the goal to square the match.

A lapse of concentration and poor tackling resulted in another corner, minutes later, and a well-worked routine gave Norwich a 2-1 lead.

Colchester responded well but another lapse in their defence allowed the hosts to make it 3-1.

An injury to Colchester's Australian midfielder Luke Mooney led to a change and the return of Wayne Masters. He was soon pulling strings in midfield. Masters was involved in some good build-up play, which led to a penalty corner with five minutes to go.

A neat slip manoeuvre resulted in his shot hitting the backboard, for what turned out to be a consolation goal for the Essex side.

Colchester have a break from their league programme next week following the postponement of their home match with Long Sutton.

Published Wednesday, February 2, 2005

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