Five talking points from Colchester United's win at Salford City

A RAPID RESPONSE

WHAT a way to respond.

Plenty was said in the aftermath of Colchester United’s 3-0 defeat at Port Vale.

But the U’s let their football do the talking at Salford City, getting back to winning ways after producing a performance that had a bit of everything.

John McGreal’s side displayed plenty of quality, flair and skill, despite the dreadful conditions and rain-sodden pitch.

And in the second half, they produced a determined showing full of determination, endeavour and commitment to keep their hosts at bay.

MORNING GLORY

JOHN McGreal turned up at Moor Lane at the crack of dawn, on Saturday morning.

The U’s boss was even at the ground before referee Andy Haines had arrived for a 9am pitch inspection, such was his desperation for his side’s game against Salford to defy the weather conditions and get the green light.

“It’s the earliest I’ve been up on match day for a long, long time - I never used to do that, even as a player!” joked McGreal, who was full of praise for the Ammies’ ground staff for the work they put in to get the game on.

Conditions were extremely tough for both sides but McGreal’s commitment to the cause ultimately paid off, with a vital three points.

ANOTHER CONTENDER

COLCHESTER United’s goal of the season competition is turning into quite a battle.

Kwame Poku’s wonderful solo effort at Salford, which saw the teenager weave his way towards goal before planting an unstoppable show into the net, will surely be in the running for the award, when the time for the club’s End of Season awards night comes around.

Callum Harriott, who himself only seems to score spectacular goals, also produced a superb strike in the 2-1 win and the U’s two goals at Moor Lane were another illustration of how much attacking quality they have at their disposal.

CHANGES PAY DIVIDENDS

COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal had hinted he would make changes at Salford, in the aftermath of his side’s defeat at Port Vale.

He was true to his word, making four alterations and tweaking his side’s formation.

It was a pretty bold decision by the U’s boss to leave out the likes of Tom Eastman and Frank Nouble, who have been near ever-presents in his starting line-up, this season and to pair Luke Norris and Theo Robinson in attack.

But McGreal was duly rewarded for the changes he made in the shape of an important away victory.

All of his recalled players more than played their part in the win, with Omar Sowunmi particularly impressive on his first league start of 2020.

ONE TO REMEMBER

FOR the vast majority of Colchester United fans, this weekend’s visit to Moor Lane will have been their first – and it was certainly one to remember.

The U’s maiden visit to Salford was an eventful affair, made more memorable by their inclement conditions in evidence there throughout much of Saturday afternoon.

A total of 430 Colchester fans made the trip to watch their side claim victory, with many no doubt anxiously checking throughout the morning of the game whether or not the game would even be on.

Thankfully, it was and their long journey back down to Essex will have been all the more enjoyable, given their side’s performance and result.