Both Essex soccer teams have made a good start to the new season, with Colchester United bagging an opening day win and Southend United snatching a late draw.

Colchester United made full use of home advantage yesterday afternoon, running out 1-0 winners over Stockport County at Layer Road thanks to a Thomas Pinault goal on 58 minutes.

The visitors had been reduced to ten men after Fraser McLaughlan was sent off in the 49th minute.

U's manager Steve Whitton will be delighted his side have taken the three points on offer and begun the season on the right note.

Meanwhile, Southend United faced a trip to Hull City yesterday, and for a long time it looked as though they would not get anything out of the game.

But despite trailing 1-0 and 2-1 they twice fought back to earn a 2-2 draw, courtesy of strikes from debutant Neil Jenkins and striker Tes Bramble.

Bramble's deflected goal was particularly timely - his 90th minute effort made sure the Blues wouldn't have to return to Essex with nothing to show for their opening day labours.

Ipswich Town began their campaign to climb straight back into the Premiership in front of Sky TV's cameras yesterday evening. They eased to a 2-0 win at Walsall with Darren Ambrose and Marcus Bent doing the damage for the visitors

Full reports and pictures in Monday's Evening Gazette (for Colchester United and Ipswich Town) and Evening Echo (for Southend United).

Published Sunday August 11, 2002