Five talking points from Colchester's game with Leyton Orient
You can't beat the man who never gives up
ONE of the biggest things to come from Danny Cowley’s first game in charge of Colchester United was a reinforcement that his teams never give up.
Ever since the U’s battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Swindon Town back in January, they have shown a commendable trait of remaining games when the chips are down and then taking something meaningful from them.
Colchester’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy group game at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night offered more evidence of this.
Having fallen behind to Zech Obiero's first-half strike and rode their little before half-time, when Jordan Graham’s wonderful strike shook the woodwork, the U’s stuck to the task and were rewarded when Ben Goodliffe netted their equaliser, with 12 minutes remaining.
Seven days earlier, Samson Tovide netted a 90th-minute leveller to earn the U’s a point at Port Vale, who had looked on course to claim the points.
Ideally, Colchester do not want to be falling behind and playing catch up in games.
READ MORE: U's player ratings after EFL Trophy draw with Leyton Orient
Nevertheless, the fact that they are rarely out of them even if they are trailing bodes well and is a positive reflection of the overall character and spirit, within the squad.
Terrific Tom
TOM Smith has had few opportunities to taste first-team action, over recent months.
But the former Arsenal goalkeeper has shown in his two appearances in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy that he is a worthy rival for Matt Macey’s number one spot.
Following on from his solid performance against MK Dons earlier on in the competition, Smith produced an impressive display in Colchester’s draw at Leyton Orient.
His first-half save to deny Sonny Perkins was exceptional and out of the top drawer and his all-round display was composed and competent.
Indeed, Smith made an excellent stop from Jordan Brown in the penalty shoot-out, which the U’s went on to lose 4-2.
It’s heartening to see Smith in the side and playing well, albeit away from league action and it will do his confidence the power of good.
Fluid formation
COLCHESTER United’s formation has been pretty fluid this season, including within games.
That was the case again at Leyton Orient, when the U’s started with a three-man defence with wing-backs before switching to four at the back in the second half.
READ MORE: Danny Cowley's verdict after U's clash with Leyton Orient
Colchester got more joy when they played with a four following the introduction of Fiacre Kelleher and Arthur Read, ultimately paving the way for their equaliser.
Wing-backs Harry Anderson and JK Gordon were not allowed the time and space to really penetrate the Orient defence, with Anderson much of the time having his work cut out dealing with the threat of the lively Jayden Sweeney, who was arguably the hosts’ best player.
With Goodliffe and Kelleher having impressed in the game, it will be interesting to see which system the Cowleys opt to go with for their next League Two fixture at home to Cheltenham Town, on Saturday week.
Samson's strength
LEYTON Orient’s defenders probably had a bit of a restless night after toiling with Samson Tovide for 90-plus minutes.
Centre-halves certainly know that they have been a game when they’ve come up against the powerful young Colchester United striker.
Orient defender Brandon Cooper had already had one ripped shirt replaced prior to crashing into an advertising hoarding and eventually having to be substituted, following a clash with Tovide.
Unsurprisingly, the Orient fans did not take kindly to that incident and jeered Tovide for the rest of the match but the U’s forward seems to relish such hostile circumstances and produced an excellent all-round display for his side.
“Let me tell you, if he plays for Leyton Orient they’ll be singing his name that is for sure,” said Danny Cowley, who was pleased with the forward’s contribution.
READ MORE: Match report as Colchester United draw with Leyton Orient
Tovide’s evening ultimately ended in disappointment when he blazed his penalty over the bar in the shoot-out but upon leaving Brisbane Road, where he had been watched by a large number of family and friends, he could take contentment from the fact that he had once again given absolutely everything to the cause and made an impact in the match.
Learning curve
THEY might not have got on the pitch in the end but Colchester United’s game at Leyton Orient would have been a valuable experience for their academy players who made it onto the bench.
James Sasere, Frankie Edwards and Harrison Chamberlain were all elevated to the first-team squad for the Bristol Street Motors Trophy game, while fellow youngsters Joel Thompson and Alfie Bendle were also among the substitutes.
They will have witnessed aspects such as Tovide’s desire and commitment, Kelleher’s determination and will to win, Payne’s skill and finesse and Smith’s composure and concentration – and they are just the on-field aspects.
To be in and around that senior environment can only have helped the U’s fledging stars, moving forward.
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