A clever move

COLCHESTER United earned plaudits for their performance in holding much-fancied Notts County to an opening-day draw at Meadow Lane.

So John McGreal’s decision to change formation and make changes to his starting line-up for the Port Vale game was a bold one.

It proved an intelligent move by the U’s head coach – and one that paid rich dividends.

It bodes well that Colchester’s players were so receptive to the changes and they adapted in such a strong fashion.

Home sweet home

The U's beat Port Vale by two goals – but in truth, it could easily have been five or six.

The U’s were simply too strong for a below-par Vale side, who found John McGreal’s side too hot to handle.

Colchester’s impressive performance in their first game of the season at the JobServe Community Stadium was reminiscent of some of the displays produced in McGreal’s first season in charge.

If they can produce that kind of dominant home form throughout the campaign, they will be in for a very productive season.

Classy Courtney

THERE were plenty of excellent individual performances for Colchester United against Port Vale.

But Courtney Senior caught the eye with his dazzling attacking play and skill.

The 21-year-old is undoubtedly a big talent, as we all saw last season and there are signs now that he is developing his game further.

Senior is the kind of player who gets people on their feet and he has the potential to be a big player for the U’s, this season.

A refreshing change

IT was refreshing to hear Neil Aspin’s honest assessment of his side’s performance, after Colchester United’s deserved win.

The Port Vale boss was magnanimous in his post-match praise of the U’s, conceding that the hosts caused his side untold problems.

Too often, managers look for excuses or focus on their own side’s deficiencies after a defeat.

It therefore made a change to hear Aspin praise the opposition and acknowledge the fact that Colchester were simply the better team.

Champagne moment

TOM Lapslie left the JobServe Community Stadium clutching some champagne after Colchester United’s win over Port Vale.

He was presented with the bottle of bubbly after being named the sponsors’ man of the match and the midfielder was impressive throughout.

Appropriately, Lapslie was probably also the recipient of the game’s champagne moment which got one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon.

The midfielder’s second-half spectacular overhead kick that dropped just wide from the edge of the area was something to savour.