ALL in all, I don't think that there can be too many complaints about how Colchester United's build-up to the coming EFL campaign has gone.
As always, there will be questions from some over the transfers and whether or not we've brought enough players in to really fully strengthen the squad.
On that front, I personally think we are OK; let's not forget, there are still a few weeks left of the window so there is still time for possible incomings and of course, the worry of potential outgoings.
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While this has been this going on behind the scenes, what has taken place in front of our eyes on the pitch has been noteworthy.
I'm not going to repeat my thoughts on earlier games, but the recent fixtures against a young West Ham side and then against Leyton Orient have shown how well placed we are.
The game down in Maldon last Friday night was a 1-0 defeat, so on paper not that great.
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But you have to look at the side that was put out and without sounding harsh, give or take a few players I think it was who Garner clearly sees as his second XI.
Apart from the goal we matched them especially in the second half and except for movement in the final third, we were not overly poor; we just could not find the finish to complete some decent passages of play.
The U's final and biggest test of pre-season was against an Orient side who started with the team most would expect them to field in their League One opener.
We played our own way, in the style that has really taken shape over the last four to five weeks and frankly, for most of the game we made them look second rate with the way we moved the ball around and were rewarded with a commanding 2-0 lead.
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Orient's frustration and inability to really get in the game was there for all to see midway though the second half when they were reduced to ten men following a quick-fire double yellow for dissent.
It was something that was pleasing to see from the officials, showing they will be cracking down on such antics.
Yes there was the small issue of them scoring a penalty and then us going to miss one, but it was a convincing win and one that was done in our own way.
It left the fans full of hope as if we can play like this, with the same calm manner in the league, then we should – and I mean should - be looking at the right end of the table in the coming months.
Plus, it's always entertaining to see the opposition manager have a post-match meltdown over a pre-season friendly.
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As always, it's the hope that kills you and I just pray we haven’t peaked too early and have already seen the best football of the season, before we even cross the start line.
So now, the talking is over, the experimentation is at an end.
It is now time to put all the hard pre-season work into action and get off to a winning start against Swindon on Saturday.
Up the U’s.
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