Colchester Sixth Form College suffered a 1-0 defeat in the opening match of their Gothia Cup campaign.

But they produced an excellent performance against the professional Swedish premier league club side Frolunda - hot favourites to win the tournament.

Colchester's Simon Wright was sent off after just ten minutes when he was judged to foul a Frolunda striker on a run towards goal.

But the sides were level again when Frolunda's Jacob Zocherman was sent off just before half time.

Colchester continued to match their Swedish counterparts in the second half until Tommy Johansen rifled a shot from 20 yards into the top corner as the students began to tire.

Manager Simon Fusniak was delighted with his team's performance. "The commitment to the cause was 200 per cent from all 16 players who rose to the occasion. They put their heart and passion into the game and tried to stay organised."

Colchester's second string got their first points in the bag with a 2-2 draw against Norway's Torvestad IL but should have won convincingly.

Their opening game in group nine proved to be a tough territorial midfield battle which produced five bookings and a Norwegian sending off to excite the spectators who warmed to Colchester's more friendly tactics.

The college took the lead after just ten minutes after Nathan Scott's piercing pass down the line to striker Simon Smithen who crossed for the impressive Nick Woolgar to score.

This was quickly followed by a second from Smithen himself as he headed home from a driven Mark Shorter free kick on 14 minutes.

Torvestad fought back to punish a lack of concentration in the Colchester defence just two minutes later to pull one back and the college responded with what they thought was a third only to have it disallowed just before half time.

The second half was equally competitive and Colchester paid the price for numerous scorned chances as the Norwegians levelled just before the final whistle.

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