Three superb goals, each unique and of fine quality, saw Colchester United race to the top of the table, while Sheffield Wednesday and the rest of the teams in Coca-Cola League One were left trailing in their wake.
Craig Fagan, Sam Stockley and Joe Keith all scored in a sensational five-minute finale to fire the U's into the new season like a rocket.
First it was Fagan.
The pacey striker had been in a battle all match with Wednesday centre-back Patrick Collins, and the duo each earned themselves yellow cards for their efforts.
However, it was Fagan who got the last laugh when a move ended with the former Birmigham City player sliding in to score from close range on 85 minutes to claim the opener.
Kevin Watson started with a pass to Bobby Bowry and he knocked it down the line for substitute Ben May to chase.
May whipped it in to the far post for Fagan to fly in.
The home side tried to respond, but the U's defence that had been resolute throughout held on and the ball found itself back up the field and Watson laid the ball off to Stockley.
The left-back raced forward into space and smashed in from 30-yards.
Keith, whose goal at Hillsborough last season sealed a 1-0 win for the U's, capitalised when Fagan was fouled on the edge of the area and the midfielder delivered the dead ball round the wall and past the hapless David Lucas in the Wednesday goal.
Published Monday August 9, 2004
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