Cod Almighty | Match Report

by Chris Parker

28 January 2026

Leading up to the game there was lots of talk about biblical rains with the game possibly in doubt. Colchester was seemingly cut off with no access to the internet to get a message out that all was well.

I will be clear, Colchester isn't my favourite ground to visit, despite attending five or six Town games in the Essex countryside. It is a mix of a private hospital and a middle Eastern shopping centre. It is too uniform, too many straight lines for my taste. Oh for the sheds of Layer Road.

On to the game. The only change from jumping over Cheltenham saw Staunton ahead of the rested Sweeney. A slight kit clash? White stripes on both set of shirts made my old eyes bleed.

Town started slowly, many underhit passes were easily intercepted. Fortunately Colchester didn't look capable of taking advantage despite having a few wide boys.

After the first 15 mins Town got on top. Our own Geza out-geezered their central midfielders. Vernam went close, may have done better? Green strode forward yet again before unleashing a fantastic curling effort which beat the 6ft 7in diving Colly custodian but came back off the post.

Eventually the Mariners turned their superiority into a lead. Turi won the ball with a fantastically timed crunching tackle, the ball found its way out to our own Charlie who sniffed an opportunity. As forwards and defenders headed towards goal the ball was cut back to our marauding right-back who calmly and efficiently stroked home a controlled finish past the static giant with gloves. A knee slide in front of the home fans was reminiscent of the earlier game at BP. Well done Harv.

A half time lead, luvly jubbly.

The start of the second half continued in a similar vein but turned upside down in a strange five minute spell. Captain Kieran Green received two 'soft' yellows' in quick succession delivered with aplomb by referee Ben Atkinson. Mr Atkinson certainly hasn't bought in to dry January, as he has now produced three red cards in the last 10 days.

This certainly changed the game with the home team throwing the kitchen sink at the Mariners. There was some heroic defending as the defenders headed and kicked everything that came their way. The post helped Town out, as did Jackson the Tyke with lots of catching of crosses and superb saves to keep the Us at bay.
Did we ride our luck? Certainly, but the effort and determination warranted a little grin from lady luck.

A significant 11 minutes were added to the second half which resulted in the final whistle eventually being blown with 112.30 on the clock. Didn't Mr Atkinson have a home to go to??

Elation in the stand and on the pitch. The three points and, even more so, the manner in which they were gained, will add strength to the squad and belief to the the fans. Six points from two consecutive long away trips is not to be sniffed at.

Town certainly out-Cowleyed the Cowleys and we now await the Miltons.