FIRST, we're talking about an EFL Trophy decider between the U's and Ipswich Town that nobody really lost.

Next, we're reading rave review headlines on Cole Skuse at that game, yet he didn't even play. How can that be?

Don't panic: it's still the football pages you're thumbing here, not some fake news fantasy foray, or nonsense horoscope section. Let me explain; I met him at the interval at Portman Road.

Skuse, like Shamal George and others, was rested during our all-but deadlock Town tie, unlike a swelled vocal away support of 566 travelling folk, who were themselves anything but taking it easy.

We needed our energy all the way through a 0-0 affair to penalties, where things dishearteningly ended 4-3 against Colchester with Chay Cooper's miss.

Skuse, now 35, has played lots of football this term for his age, so deservedly had an evening off.

Bragging rights and a knockout last 32 place were at stake.

Skuse has three children still actively supporting Town but, having just completed his UEFA B Licence coaching badges, is adamantly fully focused on delivering glory for the U's.

See his U's signing-day interview with David Gregory for proof, or simply clock how many starts he's made as a midfield sitter since arriving.

Our players all responded superbly to trash talk that they wouldn't give everything for this undercard fixture, in a squad awash with ex-Tractor Boys.

Luke Chambers, godparent to one of Skuse’s children, was "itching to play," said the BBC.

Chambers is infamously passionate about always featuring, once demanding to start while sporting three broken ribs. He and Skuse are known as Batman and Robin sidekicks.

Freddie Sears, Junior Tchamadeu and shootout save-maker, Jake Turner were all excellent in Skuse’s absence.

Gazette:

It fell to me to ask Cole, when he was guided to my seat for a surprise selfie and quick half-time chat, 'what's it like being back at Portman Road, the place you called home for eight years?'

He replied that although proud of his Town past, it's just that: done, finished.

He still coaches at local Ipswich school, St. Joseph's College, though, and recently attended a Suffolk district women's match, likely lending vast experience and support.

It speaks volumes for Bristol-born Skuse that he came directly to me without a second thought.

Such a classy gesture and knowing he values fans even when off-duty elevates him in my eyes.

Darren Smith, our goalie coach, who shared dressing rooms with him up the A12, wasn't surprised.

"Skusey's the nicest man in football," he confirmed. The pair also share a bond,which may one day rekindle itself in management.

Seeing our number eight made my night special as I returned, perhaps like many, from my first visit to the Tractor Boys' in nearly 15 years, this time in the right end.

Imagine feeling sheer agony at being unable to celebrate when Karl Duguid scored in a 3-2 league defeat, which is what happened to me that afternoon as we'd sold out our entire away allocation for the Championship game.

U's supporters this pizza trophy-gag eve were in fine sound and spirit; our boys reacted. You could later slice the spot-kick tension with a Papa John's knife.

A momentous night also for Ipswich followers, with new co-owner Ed Schwartz attending his first live encounter since their takeover seven months ago.

Me? Well, I guess I was just walking in a Cole Skuse wonderland.