Henderson heads winner in Colchester win (From Gazette)

Henderson heads winner in Colchester win

9:35pm Tuesday 27th July 2010

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IAN Henderson's fourth goal of pre-season gave Colchester United a 1-0 win over Blue Square Premier side Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium tonight.

Henderson, who was impressive throughout, powerfully headed in Marc Tierney's cross late in the first half to ensure Colchester preserved their unbeaten record in pre-season and extended their run without a conceding a goal to six matches.

However, John Ward's side were indebted to goalkeeper Ben Williams, who saved a second-half penalty from substitute Adam Marriott.

The majority of the Colchester team that started against Cambridge had finished the friendly at Braintree Town as substitutes, last Saturday.

And new signings Andy Bond and Brian Wilson were given another opportunity to shine from the start, with the new season just ten days away.

Once again Colchester adopted a 4-3-3 formation, with central striker Clive Platt supported by Henderson and Anthony Wordsworth in the wide positions.

Only an excellent block by Pat Baldwin prevented Robbie Willmott from scoring what seemed a certain goal in the opening minutes.

But Colchester gradually warmed to the task, with Wordsworth curling a free-kick narrowly wide and the lively David Perkins seeing his low, curling effort palmed away by Cambridge goalkeeper Danny Naisbitt.

Colchester looked more threatening as an attacking force in the first half than they had against Braintree, enjoying greater possession in key areas.

Henderson hooked wide from Bond's cross just after the half hour mark and then curled straight into Naisbitt's arms from a good position, as Colchester threatened to take the lead.

Willmott's long-range effort flashed wide and only a good block by Paul Reid, who captained Colchester, prevented Simon Russell from converting from close range.

But John Ward's team deservedly took the lead four minutes before the break through Henderson, who powerfully headed in Tierney's deep cross from eight yards.

There was a scare just before half-time when Baldwin injured himself making a challenge inside the Colchester penalty area.

But thankfully the long-serving defender reappeared for the second half, as boss Ward opted against making any changes at the break.

Bond tested the agility of Naisbitt just after the interval and Henderson screwed a shot wide when he should have at least hit the target, as the visitors threatened to score a second.

Willmott's deflected effort flashed just over before Colchester made a substitution on the hour, sending on Kayode Odejayi for the hard-working Platt.

The well-travelled Wayne Gray dragged a low effort just wide for Cambridge midway through the second half and the home side had a great chance to equalise with 20 minutes to go.

Reid fouled Marriott in the area following Sam Ives' through pass and the Cambridge substitute dusted himself down to take the resultant penalty.

But keeper Williams made a fine low save to deny him from the spot, as Colchester maintained their encouraging pre-season form.

Colchester are in action again tomorrow night when they take on Blue Square South side Chelmsford City at Melbourne Park, in another pre-season game.

Colchester United: Williams, Wilson, Baldwin, Reid, Tierney, Izzet, Bond, Perkins, Henderson, Wordsworth, Platt (Odejayi, 60).

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