Encouraging signs

THE manner of Colchester United’s excellent point at Notts County certainly offers plenty of encouragement for the rest of the season.

The U’s opening game of the League Two campaign was always going to be a huge test, given the quality in the Magpies’ squad and the summer additions they have made.

But John McGreal’s side more than matched their much-fancied hosts in all departments, despite having to change their approach late on due to Kane Vincent-Young’s omission.

The mature way in which Colchester managed the game on the pitch was impressive, as was their ability to mix the more aesthetic side of their game with the physical and combative work.

Colchester have been accused in the past of lacking the necessary aggression in games but it was there in abundance at Meadow Lane.

That bodes well for the rest of the campaign.

Raising the bar

COLCHESTER United’s 0-0 draw at Notts County was one of only two games to finish goal-less, on the opening weekend of the new EFL season.

But had it not been for the width of the crossbar, the U’s could easily have been celebrating a win to get their League Two campaign started.

When Tom Eastman curled a shot towards goal from just inside the Notts County area with 15 minutes remaining, time seemed to stand still.

A few inches lower and the defender might well have been celebrating an opening-day goal for the second time in three seasons.

As it was, it ended up a few inches higher than the U’s had wanted, the hosts were handed a let-off and Colchester had to settle for a hard-earned point.

Making a defence

IT was difficult to pick out a Colchester United man of the match from their game at Notts County, such was their excellent all-round display.

Every individual played their part but the U’s were particularly impressive defensively and their three centre-backs were solid throughout.

Rarely were Notts County given a glimpse of goal, predominantly due to the combined resilience of Luke Prosser, Tom Eastman and Frankie Kent.

The clean sheet was also a big boost for goalkeeper Dillon Barnes, who has been given the nod by boss John McGreal between the sticks.

The youngster pulled off a good save to deny Nathan Thomas in the second half and will be encouraged by his display.

Mika surprise

MIKAEL Mandron has been in good goalscoring form for Colchester United in pre-season.

So the French forward’s surprise omission from the U’s starting line-up at Notts County raised a few eyebrows among supporters.

It is perhaps an indication of the strength of the attacking options boss John McGreal now has at his disposal that he could afford to leave out Mandron, who attracted the attention of higher-league clubs, this summer.

With Frank Nouble, Sammie Szmodics and Aaron Collins all starting and Mandron, Luke Norris and Courtney Senior all on the bench, the U’s certainly have stronger forward options, this season.

A shame about Kane

COLCHESTER United’s opening-day draw at Notts County was full of positives.

The only downside was Kane Vincent-Young’s omission – and his likely exit from the club after he failed to agree a new deal.

It is a shame it has turned out like this, given the impact the young defender has made since initially joining the U’s academy and progressing to their first team.

Vincent-Young’s representatives are naturally keen to get their player the best deal they can.

But Colchester have played their part in helping the defender become the player he has and it is a pity they are now set to lose a talented professional from their squad, in such an unsatisfying manner.