Sears' strike secures U's vital win

4:58pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

On target - Freddie Sears scored Colchester's important winner against Preston. On target - Freddie Sears scored Colchester's important winner against Preston.

Freddie Sears struck early in the second half to secure Colchester United a crucial 1-0 win over Preston North End this afternoon.

U's keeper Sam Walker was forced to pull off a superb save in the opening stages when he dived full stretch to deny Andy Proctor's effort.

But Preston keeper Thorsten Stuckmann denied Sears and midway through the first half, Gavin Massey's first-time thunderbolt rattled the post.

There was little to choose between the two sides for the remainder of the first half, on what was a difficult surface.

Sears' first-time effort flew just wide for Colchester early in the second half but the former West Ham striker gave Colchester the lead ten minutes after half-time with a close-range effort, after Jabo Ibehre had sprung the offside trap and lifted a shot towards goal.

Lee Holmes struck the crossbar from the edge of the area for Preston but the visitors were reduced to ten men with eight minutes to go when Bailey Wright was sent off following an off the ball altercation with U's striker Ibehre.

Colchester held out against the ten men to secure a vital win and boost their survival hopes.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester United's game against Preston North End, see Monday's Daily Gazette.

Comments(10)

angryman!!! says...
8:11pm Sat 9 Feb 13

great result, big games coming up against Sheffield, yeovil and tranmere so needed today. well done boys

Report this post »

Mr Honest says...
9:22pm Sat 9 Feb 13

It was important that we got something after losing Tuesday so credit to the players and managment for bouncing back. As for Preston, I was sat two rows behind Peter Ridsdale as I had vip tickets for the day and he didnt hold back at the end "Right, enough is enough. Its time for change". Expect Westley to be sacked in the next 48 hours. Special mention to John Ward who I probably over criticised on here, what a job he is doing at Bristol Rovers. Anyway, back to the U"s and job done today. Enjoy the win.

Report this post »

uptheu's says...
10:20pm Sat 9 Feb 13

What a magnificent battling performance, every one of the team was immense. Fans deserve praise also; if we can keep up that noise and support for the rest of the season, we can help the team stay up. Even the West Stand were getting involved.

Report this post »

comeonyouirons says...
1:10am Sun 10 Feb 13

Well done Freddie, now you're finding your feet, come back to us!

Report this post »

angryman!!! says...
4:39am Sun 10 Feb 13

it needs to be a joint effort and hopefully as long as we keep the effort up at Sheffield we can get a few more through the gates for the next couple of home games as not only are they tricky games but also crucial. 3 out of 4 though so why not

Report this post »

wellnow says...
10:50am Sun 10 Feb 13

The first half game will not get people through the turnstiles.however games like the second half will surely get a better following.

Report this post »

Steve86 says...
11:30am Sun 10 Feb 13

What a good performance by the U's, looked really threatening in the 2nd half with the pace of the forwards once again. I feel that 442 has changed us, and Sears/Jabo partnership is developing quite strong. I'm still laughing after Jabo went towards the corner flag at the end, then controlled it brilliantly to take it past one defender, then went towards goal, turned and went back to the corner flag. He got the crowd behind him again, and a standing ovation, well done U's

Report this post »

Eddy D says...
12:32pm Sun 10 Feb 13

Excellent result and the kind of game a month ago we'd have drawn or lost no doubt so good, well ground out, result. First half was a horrendous bore but who cares? Results are key for us especially given that those around is won aswell. Looked strong at the back, dangerous on the wings, (Porter is great to watch), and Jabo drawing the tackles and winding their back line was a real pleasure in the second half. Freddie down the middle has been a revelation. Hard games coming up but even we lose them, as long as they/we dont get down by any setbacks and take it game by game I'm sure we've enough about us to win the games we need to. Also, are we sure Woody went to Ipswich? After Eddie's disappointing turn of pace in comparison to previous years in the mascot race it made me wonder whether it was Woody in the suit....

Report this post »

crazy comments says...
8:24pm Sun 10 Feb 13

Very pleased to see a U's win. Best I stay away as I never saw the match on Saturday. Perhaps the U;s will stay lucky if i'm not around. Instead I had a ticket to see Saints play Man City. Ask me how do these big money grabbing players take their wages and not feel guilty.

Report this post »

BlueandWhiteBaz says...
9:24am Mon 11 Feb 13

A well deserved and very necessary win. Freddie is becoming the goal poacher we've needed for too long. What a revelation George Porter was too. The fullback just couldn't live with him on the day. Jabo had an excellent game as well with a real tough battling performance. With some very difficult games ahead and, good results coming from teams below us, I think it will be essential for us to pick up some sort of result at Sheffield on Saturday.

Report this post »

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree