Colchester United slump to first league defeat of the season

4:50pm Saturday 1st September 2012 in News


Colchester United slumped to their first defeat of the season losing four nil to Tranmere Rovers.

The U's had put four past Tranmere at home last season and were given a taste of their own medicine at Prenton Park this time.

The game started brightly with Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro blasting over in the first minute for Tranmere having been played in with a nice ball between centre back Matt Heath and full back Michael Rose.

Colchester United then went up the other end and, after shots from Sears and Bond, a decent cross gave Anthony Wordsworth a shot at goal but he headed just wide.

The game settled with both teams looking good going forward.

Okuonghae picked up a needless but deserved booking on 15 minutes,

Wordsworth then had his second good chance within the first 20 minutes after being put through.

He tried to round the keeper but Owain Williams narrowed the angle well and the shot was saved and went out for a corner.

Akpa Akpro then missed a great chance heading over from six yards before also hitting a volley over the bar.

Tranmere were starting to get on top and hit the post from their first corner after half-an-hour with captain James Wallace going close.

The deadlock was broken with five minutes to go in the first half.

A little cross was dinked in and striker Jake Cassidy nipped in front of keeper Cousins to nod in from just a few yards out.

Just seconds later Morrison nearly repeated the trick for the U's but the ball was cleared and Tranmere went into the half-time break one up.

In the second half Tranmere were able to get on top using their pace to get beyond the U's defence.

Cassidy got his second five minutes into the second half.

The ball was played through and a lucky deflection laid it perfectly into his path and he slotted past Cousins from the edge of the box.

At two nil Colchester United were on the back foot relying on occasional breaks and the skills of Freddie Sears to try and get back into the game.

After 60 minutes Tranmere were three up.

Zoumana Bakayogo made a good run into the box.

The ball was passed back to him and he put a clean strike into the side of the net past Cousins' outstretched hand.

Minutes later they almost made it four when Akpa-Akpro got through with a mazy run before hitting the post.

Manager John Ward brought off Duguid and Wordsworth for Ian Henderson and Gavin Massey to try and shake things up and Henderson went close to scoring for the U's ten minutes later but shot straight at keeper Williams who looked solid throughout.

But it was Tranmere who got the fourth.

The ball played across the box for Cassidy to tap in completing his hat-trick.

Tranmere fans waited more than five years for a hat-trick and now have two already this season.

Robinson and Cassidy were substituted late in the game with Cassidy getting the ovation you would expect and the man of the match accolade for his three goals.

The U's put everything into the game and cannot be faulted for effort but were undone by some great play by Tranmere using pace and guile to get around the back of the Colchester defence.

Ward will now be looking to pick the players up after this their first league defeat of the season. 

Comments(54)

Bigh321 says...
4:55pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Lol

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Steve86 says...
5:21pm Sat 1 Sep 12

That is shocking, and against Tranmere who aren't even that good. The blame needs to go to the manager first before the team, because why oh why doesn't he play Eastman anymore. Heath is pathetic. Also on the BBC website it says that out of all the Tranmere shots they only had 1 on target, so this may hint at defensive errors. for once Ward play 442 and start with Massey instead of Hendo/Duguid. Ward you're clueless and once again you should leave the club.

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crazy comments says...
5:49pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Steve86 wrote:
That is shocking, and against Tranmere who aren't even that good. The blame needs to go to the manager first before the team, because why oh why doesn't he play Eastman anymore. Heath is pathetic. Also on the BBC website it says that out of all the Tranmere shots they only had 1 on target, so this may hint at defensive errors. for once Ward play 442 and start with Massey instead of Hendo/Duguid. Ward you're clueless and once again you should leave the club.
I agree why the hell is Eastman not playing. At the end of last season he came in and done well. Also John White to me should be in the team. Heath and Dugard are not quick enough for this division.

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super waluigi says...
6:20pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Sad day to be a col u fan. I never went, but by all accounts we had a good first 30 minutes in the first half.

Lets hope we can get some results against Brentford and Donny inthe next two weeks.

Just for the record, I believe Tranmere are now second in the league. Yeovil are top. They must have some form at the moment (even if it does not last)

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Dylan McThomas says...
7:43pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Steve86 wrote:
That is shocking, and against Tranmere who aren't even that good. The blame needs to go to the manager first before the team, because why oh why doesn't he play Eastman anymore. Heath is pathetic. Also on the BBC website it says that out of all the Tranmere shots they only had 1 on target, so this may hint at defensive errors. for once Ward play 442 and start with Massey instead of Hendo/Duguid. Ward you're clueless and once again you should leave the club.
"…Tranmere who aren't even that good."


Typical clueless arrogance from Colchester clown.

Rovers are unbeaten, top of the league with 3 wins in 4, have scored more goals than anyone else. Ronnie has assembled an excellent team this season. When somebody who supports COLCHESTER, of all teams (perpetual failures not in Tranmere’s league history- or acheiovement-wise) criticizes Tranmere it’s always good for a laugh. I’d accept it from Sheff. U but Colchester? You are less than zero.

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Dylan McThomas says...
7:45pm Sat 1 Sep 12

And I was at Prenton Park today and we gave you a real thrashing. It's not that you are so bad, it's just that we are so good.

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crazy comments says...
8:05pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Dylan McThomas wrote:
And I was at Prenton Park today and we gave you a real thrashing. It's not that you are so bad, it's just that we are so good.
Ref your other blog above. Typical clueless arrogance from Colchester Clown.

My friend from Tranmere ,we only have one clueless CLOWN from Colchester and his name is JOHN WARD.

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super waluigi says...
8:08pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Dylan McThomas wrote:
And I was at Prenton Park today and we gave you a real thrashing. It's not that you are so bad, it's just that we are so good.
Dude, did you open a Colchester Gazette account just to post after this game???? Thats a bit sad bro.

I have to agree about Tranmere. They are on fire. It won't last mind you. They are very similar to Colchester in that respect and would be equally happy to finish 10th this season.

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super waluigi says...
8:13pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Oh and to the Tranmere fan.... Steve86 may have been a wee bit off the mark with his "Tranmere are not even that good" remark, but your "Its just that we are so good" remark is equally as laughable.

I think that makes you a Tranmere clown!!!!

Good day 'sad-Tranmere-clown-
tramp-man-who-spends
-every-week-trolling other-sites'

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Feisty CBC says...
8:47pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Aww come on lads this strikes a bit like sour grapes. If we can't handle a bit of banter then what's the point? I mean let's face it, the poor bloke has to put up with having to purchase new wheels for his car on a monthly basis :)

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crazy comments says...
9:35pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Feisty CBC wrote:
Aww come on lads this strikes a bit like sour grapes. If we can't handle a bit of banter then what's the point? I mean let's face it, the poor bloke has to put up with having to purchase new wheels for his car on a monthly basis :)
Your dead right about that Feisty. I went to Liverpool in 1988 and stayed overnight at a friends house. In the morning when I went outside to my car, the battery and all 4 wheels had gone. Never been back since to one of the biggest grot holes in England.

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Steve86 says...
10:13pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Dylan McThomas wrote:
Steve86 wrote:
That is shocking, and against Tranmere who aren't even that good. The blame needs to go to the manager first before the team, because why oh why doesn't he play Eastman anymore. Heath is pathetic. Also on the BBC website it says that out of all the Tranmere shots they only had 1 on target, so this may hint at defensive errors. for once Ward play 442 and start with Massey instead of Hendo/Duguid. Ward you're clueless and once again you should leave the club.
"…Tranmere who aren't even that good."


Typical clueless arrogance from Colchester clown.

Rovers are unbeaten, top of the league with 3 wins in 4, have scored more goals than anyone else. Ronnie has assembled an excellent team this season. When somebody who supports COLCHESTER, of all teams (perpetual failures not in Tranmere’s league history- or acheiovement-wise) criticizes Tranmere it’s always good for a laugh. I’d accept it from Sheff. U but Colchester? You are less than zero.
You are kidding me, you signed up to this site to have your say... You should go to our other forum www.getalife.com.

Firstly, I was directing my message to Col Utd fans and not Tranmere(I mean why would they look at this website) if I was to direct it to Tranmere fans then I'll have to find your forum, but I'm not that sad. Also when I wrote that message I was quite annoyed as obviously we lost (not thrashed) 4-0 to a team that are quite bogstandard in the league, no offence, because we are too. And as Super says you guys may have a good start, but holding on to it is key, so we'll see. Tbh I only thought there were 2 teams in Liverpool, so that tells me everything I know about Tranmere. If you were offended by this, then don't comment.

Any way Ward is end clown, and you're the clowns side kick for joining a forum that you have nothing to do with.

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Mr Honest says...
12:19am Sun 2 Sep 12

Dylan Mcthomas? Sounds like a sheep shagger to me. Tranmere will finish in the bottom half of the table so pipe down fella. We have the worst manager in the league and we all know it so we dont need your input. Ward has been in the game long enough (not sure how) to know that he has to ring Robbie Cowling tomorrow and give hos resignation. Attendances at home are falling, we cant play well away from home, its time to go.

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Mr Honest says...
12:29am Sun 2 Sep 12

By the way, 1 win in 18 games!!!! How can Cowling not justify his sacking?

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Boris says...
1:26am Sun 2 Sep 12

Two of my best friends, Gary and Simon, are Tranmere supporters, so let Dylan have his say. Why shouldn't he visit our paper and say what he likes? We can all visit papers serving other towns if we want to - like the Gazette, they are almost all owned by Gannett and are run on the same computer.
Meantime let's show respect for a team with a more distinguished history than ours and which is on a good run at the moment.
.
Turning now to the U's line-up, why is John White perpetually on the bench? He is our best defender, he is fit. As crazy rightly says, he should be in the team.

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crazy comments says...
8:29am Sun 2 Sep 12

Side tracking slightly on this blog, but last Tuesday evening went to Woking who were playing Braintree. First time ever visit plus never seen Braintree play before. Terrific game of football , and one certain player Dan Holman just stood out above the rest. Seems he has just been signed by Braintree as a striker. He was fast, showed terrific abilty and scored two cracking goals. What hidden talent there is out there in the lower divisions.

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Feisty CBC says...
8:48am Sun 2 Sep 12

crazy comments wrote:
Side tracking slightly on this blog, but last Tuesday evening went to Woking who were playing Braintree. First time ever visit plus never seen Braintree play before. Terrific game of football , and one certain player Dan Holman just stood out above the rest. Seems he has just been signed by Braintree as a striker. He was fast, showed terrific abilty and scored two cracking goals. What hidden talent there is out there in the lower divisions.
I listened to that game on the internet. Sounded very entertaining. Braintree picked up another three points at home to Tamworth yesterday. Maybe we should nick their manager ;p

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6079 Smith W says...
12:00pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Feisty CBC wrote:
crazy comments wrote:
Side tracking slightly on this blog, but last Tuesday evening went to Woking who were playing Braintree. First time ever visit plus never seen Braintree play before. Terrific game of football , and one certain player Dan Holman just stood out above the rest. Seems he has just been signed by Braintree as a striker. He was fast, showed terrific abilty and scored two cracking goals. What hidden talent there is out there in the lower divisions.
I listened to that game on the internet. Sounded very entertaining. Braintree picked up another three points at home to Tamworth yesterday. Maybe we should nick their manager ;p
Come on, you know hearing about those who can't make up their minds whether their colours are yellow or orange, makes me sick! Still, the Clarets managed to overcome the early league leaders yesterday, so perhaps a promotion push is on the cards.

As for our friend from Tramnere, yes, agree with Boris, good to see him here. If I was cheering for the early season pace setters, I might feel unhappy about Steve's description. As has been pointed out, Newsquest operates titles all over the country, with the same log in for each one. So it seems no more sad to be commenting elsewhere, as it does on your own local site. A bit of banter is all for the good of the game.

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Layer Road Exile says...
12:52pm Sun 2 Sep 12

I think our friend from Tranmere has taken this forums focus away from the real issue. The U's record is just one win in a competitive match since 6th March. A run stretching back 18 games. Has any manager survived one win in 18 games? Cowling could set a new record here.

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crazy comments says...
3:44pm Sun 2 Sep 12

6079 Smith W wrote:
Feisty CBC wrote:
crazy comments wrote: Side tracking slightly on this blog, but last Tuesday evening went to Woking who were playing Braintree. First time ever visit plus never seen Braintree play before. Terrific game of football , and one certain player Dan Holman just stood out above the rest. Seems he has just been signed by Braintree as a striker. He was fast, showed terrific abilty and scored two cracking goals. What hidden talent there is out there in the lower divisions.
I listened to that game on the internet. Sounded very entertaining. Braintree picked up another three points at home to Tamworth yesterday. Maybe we should nick their manager ;p
Come on, you know hearing about those who can't make up their minds whether their colours are yellow or orange, makes me sick! Still, the Clarets managed to overcome the early league leaders yesterday, so perhaps a promotion push is on the cards. As for our friend from Tramnere, yes, agree with Boris, good to see him here. If I was cheering for the early season pace setters, I might feel unhappy about Steve's description. As has been pointed out, Newsquest operates titles all over the country, with the same log in for each one. So it seems no more sad to be commenting elsewhere, as it does on your own local site. A bit of banter is all for the good of the game.
Watching other games takes nothing away from the fact that I only support the one club Col Utd. John Ward or his scouts should be out watching these kind of games and see how football should be played,and the public entertained... I was very impresed with Braintree and 6079 Smith W you should be proud of them.

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Steve86 says...
11:38pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Layer Road Exile wrote:
I think our friend from Tranmere has taken this forums focus away from the real issue. The U's record is just one win in a competitive match since 6th March. A run stretching back 18 games. Has any manager survived one win in 18 games? Cowling could set a new record here.
That's a very good point, didn't see it that way. That is shocking stuff, Ward needs to go, so we can attract more fans by playing fun football.

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Steve86 says...
11:43pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Hs anyone else noticed that we can't comment on the articles that Ward wrote. This is my comment towards that then... If heads have dropped you need to kick them out for the next game. Also lacking leadership! I thought Heath was playing so there was leadership, obviously not so kick him out and replace with Eastman(our best centre back) White and Coker need to come in for Rose and Wilson, and perhaps Bender or Aldred (are they loaned out). Ward needs to show the players who the boss is, and show them that performances like that are unacceptable. Wow perhaps I should become manager.

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wellnow says...
9:19am Mon 3 Sep 12

who in their right mind would be a football manager??

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TheCaptain says...
9:46am Mon 3 Sep 12

Never been a fan of sacking manager's after a few bad results. But 1 win in 18, please Ward just go or you mist be sacked.

Strangely the last win was 4-2 against Tranmere

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Surb says...
10:14am Mon 3 Sep 12

1 win in 18 competitive games, thats dreadful.
Ward do the right thing, even if you're not going to get the sack... walk out.
It's obvious that you are not a good manager nor can you show the players who is boss. If you are staying for the whole season change the style of play and your attitude become stricter, kick under performers out of the team (Wordsworth, Rose, Wilson to name a few), let them fight for their place gosh it really isn't that hard.

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Matthegame says...
10:57am Mon 3 Sep 12

Wow, didn't realise our record was that bad. One win in 18 is bottom of the league stuff. Worrying.

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totallyfootball says...
11:19am Mon 3 Sep 12

Well that's nearly where they are, I did have hopes of mid table mediocrity again this season, those hopes are fading now?

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Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

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Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

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Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:31pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Agree with totallyfootball - Mr Ward needs to quickly revamp players' attitudes and I think that the pre-season 'hype' was just that - HYPE! No substance. We are lacking creativity and a playmaker... Like I predicted at the outset of the season (and please don't think me a doom and gloom merchant as I want the best for my beloved U's!) this will be a long and very difficult season! This is relegation form! Let's hope for some inspiration in the next few games. Up the U's!!

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Originally from ... says...
12:33pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Gonna be a long hard season

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jpis247 says...
12:42pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Im usually an adamant supporter of Ward on here but the recent form speaks for itself. 1 win in 18 games is terrible form and their doesn't seem to be much progression from last season. Hopefully we'll get over the hump and start winning some games but come Christmas (once the table starts to mean something) if we are still flagging in the lower reaches of the table, then it may be time look for management elsewhere.... Should probably draft in some full backs who can keep up with play and stop crosses coming in too....Wilson just doesn't cut this season.

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super waluigi says...
1:13pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Hey Ozzie, could you post your comment one more time please lol.

1 win in 18 games is terrible, but that is divided in to two seasons. What actually counts is 0 wins in 5 games this season.

Should this form continue this season then yes, the axe should come out. Hopefully we can pick up a few wins in the next 3 games and move on.

No one even wins when a manager is sacked on a knee jerk reaction and plans have to be put in place. Sacking Ward would be exactly that. 0 wins in 5 is bad. 3 draws in 5 is acceptable.

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totallyfootball says...
1:52pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Super W I love the way you try to put a positive on things I really do, but surely even you can now see that this idiot would probably lose a Subbuteo match?

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The REAL Norm says...
2:52pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

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crazy comments says...
3:48pm Mon 3 Sep 12

super waluigi wrote:
Hey Ozzie, could you post your comment one more time please lol. 1 win in 18 games is terrible, but that is divided in to two seasons. What actually counts is 0 wins in 5 games this season. Should this form continue this season then yes, the axe should come out. Hopefully we can pick up a few wins in the next 3 games and move on. No one even wins when a manager is sacked on a knee jerk reaction and plans have to be put in place. Sacking Ward would be exactly that. 0 wins in 5 is bad. 3 draws in 5 is acceptable.
We have had many a difference Super but I agree we must not panic just as yet. J.W. must see that results need to improve quickly and I believe that he should be given time to change things around. I have always said this J.W. is his own worst enemy in that he is to nice. As a person no one could ever meet a nicer gent and though I have moaned about him, nothing would please me more than for him to turn things around. We do have some decent players but as many on here have said a few players need a rocket up their backsides. To me it's his tactics that are all wrong and all he needs to do is get on that training field and start to get some attacking formations in place. Mr Wards destiny is in his own hands.

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super waluigi says...
3:53pm Mon 3 Sep 12

I am not putting a positive spin on anything mate. I am neutral. I have good and bad opinions of Ward. I just believe that 10th is a good achievement for a club of colchesters size, I believe that 4 league games is too soon to sack a manager, and I believe that he cannot be held accountable for attendances any more that the players, back room staff or the negativity that has surrounded the u's as a club for 75 years that has held us back even through good times.
Technically I am not positive, I am neutral.

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6079 Smith W says...
6:52pm Mon 3 Sep 12

crazy comments wrote:
6079 Smith W wrote:
Feisty CBC wrote:
crazy comments wrote: Side tracking slightly on this blog, but last Tuesday evening went to Woking who were playing Braintree. First time ever visit plus never seen Braintree play before. Terrific game of football , and one certain player Dan Holman just stood out above the rest. Seems he has just been signed by Braintree as a striker. He was fast, showed terrific abilty and scored two cracking goals. What hidden talent there is out there in the lower divisions.
I listened to that game on the internet. Sounded very entertaining. Braintree picked up another three points at home to Tamworth yesterday. Maybe we should nick their manager ;p
Come on, you know hearing about those who can't make up their minds whether their colours are yellow or orange, makes me sick! Still, the Clarets managed to overcome the early league leaders yesterday, so perhaps a promotion push is on the cards. As for our friend from Tramnere, yes, agree with Boris, good to see him here. If I was cheering for the early season pace setters, I might feel unhappy about Steve's description. As has been pointed out, Newsquest operates titles all over the country, with the same log in for each one. So it seems no more sad to be commenting elsewhere, as it does on your own local site. A bit of banter is all for the good of the game.
Watching other games takes nothing away from the fact that I only support the one club Col Utd. John Ward or his scouts should be out watching these kind of games and see how football should be played,and the public entertained... I was very impresed with Braintree and 6079 Smith W you should be proud of them.
Crazy: I fully appreciate you love the beautiful game, and want to take in what's happening beyond ColU. Fair play to you on that, I actually like to think I can do likewise. And when it comes to the orangey yellows, yes, I can respect the achievements of such a small club with limited resources, perhaps (though I wouldn't want to admit this), admire them. But come on, as a follower of my beloved Chelmsford City, do you really think I can feel 'pride'?!

I'm not sure I can make a comparison for a ColU fan, because even pointing to the likes of Southend doesn't really work. The Conference first emerged as an idea of the big non-league clubs in the early 70s (City were one of these at the time), fed up as they were with the lottery of Football League elections (Hereford got in despite coming second in the old Southern League to my beloved City of course). But of course by the Conference's inception, City had paid the financial price of over-reaching for the Football League, and the once non-league power was languishing in the Southern League first division. When I first started watching City regularly in the early 80s (when I was first allowed to go on my own to games, and sometimes I even took the 311 bus to Braintree, to watch them in the very lowly Eastern Counties League), it looked like we might achieve that Conference (Alliance Premier League as it was known back then) status. However, despite 4th, 3rd, and 2nd finishes in the Southern Premier League in the early/mid 80s, that Conference place remained elusive. And by the late 80s, history had repeated itself, we were in the financial mire again. Relegations and promotions between steps six and seven became the norm, and eventually, most tragically, we lost our wonderful old New Writtle Street ground, and had to spend seasons outside the town.

The last few seasons have seemed a bit better, as we started to dream we might achieve that 30 odd year long desire of Conference football. But now I'm not so sure. The financial insecurities have surfaced once more, and us Clarets - who for many years thought the Football League was just around the corner - are starting to wonder of we'll ever even achieve the Conference. So in the midst of this, seeing the little club up the road, that won the Conference South with a gate that averaged half of what we got when winning the Ryman Premier, has been a bitter experience. Of course it has, that's just being a football fan, and loving your club.

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Mr Honest says...
9:16pm Mon 3 Sep 12

God you are so boring!!!

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Mr Honest says...
9:33pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Im going to Brentford. I will have the St George Flag with "Ward Out" on it. Come say hi!

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Steve86 says...
10:06pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Mr Honest wrote:
Im going to Brentford. I will have the St George Flag with "Ward Out" on it. Come say hi!
haha, unfortunately I can't make it. But please keep the flag for the next home game, and hold it up high.

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crazy comments says...
2:10pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Mr Honest wrote:
Im going to Brentford. I will have the St George Flag with "Ward Out" on it. Come say hi!
At least the U's will have two supporters at Brentford, Mr Honest and Crazy. I'm a glutten for punishment but I think J.W. will start with Izzet for this game and for myself would like to see young Drey Wright brought in playing wide on the right. Lets hope we get a few supporters at the game and get behind the lads.

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Steve86 says...
12:30am Wed 5 Sep 12

If he plays Izzet or Duguid, we have lost.

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Originally from ... says...
10:04am Wed 5 Sep 12

super waluigi wrote:
I am not putting a positive spin on anything mate. I am neutral. I have good and bad opinions of Ward. I just believe that 10th is a good achievement for a club of colchesters size, I believe that 4 league games is too soon to sack a manager, and I believe that he cannot be held accountable for attendances any more that the players, back room staff or the negativity that has surrounded the u's as a club for 75 years that has held us back even through good times. Technically I am not positive, I am neutral.
This post for me is spot on - well said super waluigi

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Another Point of View says...
1:34pm Thu 6 Sep 12

Having spent some time at Stratford over the summer, I have come to realise how sad football is in general and how rubbish this club in particular. Won't be wasting my money at WHCS anytime soon, there are many other sports out there more deserving of my hard earnt money I'm afraid! When I start reading of entertaining matches I might well reconsider but I am not holding my breathe under the current regime.

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