COLCHESTER United played out a 2-2 draw at Swindon Town, on Saturday afternoon.
Gazette sports writer Jon Waldron was at the County Ground for Danny and Nicky Cowley's first game in charge.
Spirit shown on and off the pitch
ENERGETIC, enthusiastic, positive – and that was just Danny Cowley’s post-match interview.
Colchester United’s much-improved performance at Swindon Town seemed to be perfectly reflected in Cowley’s words after he saw his new side come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at the County Ground, in his opening game in charge.
It’s no coincidence, either.
The Cowleys might have only been appointed little more than 48 hours prior to the game at Swindon but there were already plenty of characteristics of their approach shown in the manner in which the U’s performed.
Colchester played with tempo and purpose, traits which have become very familiar in the Cowleys’ teams, over the years.
It was a spirited, hard-working display full of personality and their last-gasp equaliser was the very least they deserved.
Decisions rewarded
DANNY Cowley wasted no time in making some key decisions, in his first game as Colchester United’s head coach.
The new U’s head coach opted for a flat back four in a 4-2-3-1 formation, selected Zach Mitchell at right-back and went for Tom Hopper up front in preference to Conor Wilkinson, John Akinde and Bradley Ihionvien.
Each of those decisions proved fruitful, as did Cowley’s changes and the impact they had.
The U’s finished the game with Akinde, Ihionvien, Wilkinson, Jayden Fevrier, Owura Edwards and Noah Chilvers all on the pitch, a reflection of Cowley’s desire to be positive and go for the equaliser.
They were ultimately rewarded, with Wilkinson and Ihionvien playing their part in the last-gasp goal that rescued a precious point.
Something to celebrate
THE Cowleys’ animated celebrations after Colchester United’s stoppage-time equaliser at Swindon Town were reminiscent of Jose Mourinho’s famous run down the touchline at Old Trafford in a Champions League game, all those years ago.
The U’s managerial team could not hide their delight after seeing Brad Ihionvien net a last-gasp goal to secure a 2-2 draw at the County Ground and it was well deserved.
Danny and Nicky wanted to share the moment with the jubilant Colchester fans who had made the journey to the County Ground to cheer on their team.
It was a shame that both were booked for their celebrations by referee, Richie Watkins.
As Danny said afterwards, who would think that you would want to celebrate a 94th-minute equaliser?
Whose goal is it anyway?
IT was difficult at first glance to see who had scored Colchester United’s dramatic late equaliser at the County Ground.
But Bradley Ihionvien’s animated celebration after the ball crossed the line was a good indication that he indeed got the final touch.
Conor Wilkinson deserves credit though for his improvisation, with his back to goal.
His clever back-heel may or may not have been heading in but it was the best he could do in the position he was in and it led to Colchester securing a valuable draw.
It will not win any goal of the month awards but that doesn't matter.
Indeed, it's the kind that the U’s themselves have unfortunately conceded on several occasions, this season.
Indeed, Colchester have let in their fair share of late goals in the first half of the League Two season and it was nice from a U’s perspective to see one at last go in their favour.
Fan power
COLCHESTER United’s supporters have had it tough, over the last few years.
There’s been little for them to celebrate so to see their delight both during and after the 2-2 draw at Swindon Town was great to see.
They gave the Cowleys a huge welcome as soon as they got off the team coach at the County Ground and the new U’s management duo repaid the favour, interacting with fans and posing for selfies.
Colchester fans cheered their names throughout and after the final whistle and Danny Cowley was keen to comment on the support afterwards.
“I can't remember as good an atmosphere,” he said.
“They were right with the team, even when we were 2-0 down and that to me is what defines a support.”
The Cowleys are promised a cracking home welcome next weekend when Bradford City – a team they spoke to about their vacant managerial position last month – come to the JobServe Community Stadium.
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