Five talking points from Colchester United win over Northampton Town

Off the mark

COLCHESTER United are up and running.

The U’s 1-0 win over Northampton Town may not have been their most resounding under John McGreal, at the JobServe Community Stadium – but it was arguably one of their most important.

After failing to win any of their opening four matches in League Two, it was important that the U’s got a home victory and they were worthy of the three points.

Let’s hope that it is now the springboard for them to now go on and get more victories, in the weeks to come.

Lethal Luke

OF the five goals Colchester United have scored in League Two so far this season, striker Luke Norris has scored four of them.

Admittedly, two of them have been from the penalty spot, including his winning spot-kick in the 1-0 win over Northampton Town.

But Norris’s confidently-taken penalty was a sweet one for both the former Swindon Town striker and the U’s.

It took Norris to 50 league career goals and Colchester will be hoping that there will be plenty more to follow, between now and the end of the season.

Something to celebrate

THE post-match celebrations between Colchester United’s players and their fans after the Northampton Town win were made more poignant, given what did – or didn’t happen – in the aftermath of their previous game at Grimsby Town.

Some of the 144 U’s fans who had travelled to Blundell Park last week were unhappy that only a handful of players seemingly went over to thank them for their support after the final whistle, following the 2-2 draw against the Mariners.

In response, U’s boss John McGreal said he had heard abuse directed at them from the away end, which prompted him to head down the tunnel.

The scenes could not have been more different after the Northampton win though, with manager celebrating in unison with the South Stand supporters following the 1-0 triumph.

Gambin's impact

LUKE Gambin has had to settle for a place on the bench, in the opening weeks of his Colchester United career.

The U’s summer signing has been a regular substitute for John McGreal’s side so far in League Two but he made a big impact coming off the bench, against Northampton Town.

Gambin made a real difference after replacing Jevani Brown with the second half ten minutes old and his skill and trickery really worried the Cobblers’ defence.

It was reminiscent of his scintillating performance against the U’s for Crawley Town, on New Year’s Day.

A date at the Palace

COLCHESTER United’s players will get the chance to show off their skills at a Premier League venue, on Tuesday night.

The U’s will obviously go into their Carabao Cup second-round tie at Crystal Palace as firm underdogs.

It probably won’t have helped their chances that the Eagles will be cock-a-hoop following their 2-1 victory at Manchester United, on Saturday.

However, Colchester will be roared on by hundreds of their fans at Selhurst Park and will be dreaming of causing a big cup upset.