FIVE observations from Colchester United's home defeat to Salford City
FOR the second successive week, Colchester United fell to a miserable 2-1 home defeat in League Two.
And this time, the final whistle was met with a chorus of boos from the South Stand from disgruntled U’s fans who sadly have seen this kind of uninspiring performance and result all too often, over the last few seasons.
The aftermath of the 2-1 defeat to Salford City is probably the first time since the Cowleys’ arrival at the beginning of the calendar year that Colchester supporters have displayed such a level of dissatisfaction, immediately after a home game.
To be fair to the U’s long-suffering fans, they did their best to lift their team throughout another frustrating affair, where the home team lacked the fluidity and creativity needed to make the difference, in another tight contest.
But once again, it was probably in both boxes where the game was won and lost.
READ MORE: Colchester United fans have their say on Salford City defeat
While Salford seized their opportunities when they came along in the second half, the U’s in contrast looked laboured and pretty toothless in attack.
And at the back, the Ammies’ were allowed far too much time and space in the area to score their goals and return to the North West with all three points.
IT’S often only when someone is not there that you appreciate the impact that they have and Samson Tovide is very much in that category.
When he is in the team, Colchester have so much more presence in attack.
That is no criticism of Lyle Taylor, who is doing his best with the limited service he is receiving and is still showing his class at the age of 34 but Tovide is such a thorn in the side of opposition defences, with his strength and battling qualities.
The U’s have really missed his influence in the last few games but they will have to get used to him not being around, with the young striker sidelined with his hip flexor injury.
Against Salford, the U’s struggled to seriously trouble the visitors' defence, aside from some sporadic moments created by Taylor’s individual intelligence or Oscar Thorn’s pace.
It is an issue that they need to solve, given that Tovide is set to be missing for an extended period of time.
DANNY Cowley watched Colchester’s defeat against Salford from high up in the West Stand gantry, due to a touchline ban.
From time to time, the U’s head coach’s voice could be heard bellowing out from above during the game, as his team laboured to defeat.
“It allows you to watch the game better if I’m honest, tactically,” said Cowley.
“You can almost see what’s going to happen before it happens which can be pretty painful, because I can see them overloading Hunty on the back post but you can’t actually influence it or impact it, not that you can from the sideline with a full stadium.
READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Salford City defeat
“Gone are the days at Concord Rangers when there was a couple of hundred there and you could influence it because the players could hear you.”
After six games without a win, this is undoubtedly a tough time for Danny and Nicky.
The U’s management duo are striving to find a way of making their side a more dangerous attacking force, whilst at the same time attempting to shore things up at the back.
They absolutely, without question, must be given time to get things right.
Inevitably, there have been rumblings of discontent from some fans but it must be remembered that the duo are vastly experienced in football management with nearly 1,000 games under their belt.
Whilst residing in 21st spot in the League Two table is not where anyone wants to be, they must be trusted and respected to turn the U’s form around.
IT’S not too often you find one of the greatest players of modern times residing in the visitors’ dugout, at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Ryan Giggs, who is Salford’s director of football, seemingly played a rather low-key role during his side’s win at Colchester United, naturally allowing head coach Karl Robinson and his assistant Alex Bruce to take the lead and preside over proceedings.
But just having the Manchester United legend around behind the scenes must be a massive lift to the Ammies’ players, even if it just in the form of a word of advice here and there.
With one of the game’s most decorated players among their staff, they will certainly not have to look too far for a source of inspiration.
LET’S face it, there weren’t too many high points for Colchester United against Salford City.
But the club and their supporters should be proud of the way they rallied for Pink October day, spearheaded magnificently throughout the month by striker Lyle Taylor.
It was great to see fans turning up in pink wigs and other such attire, lending their support to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK.
It’s still not too late to contribute to Lyle Taylor’s campaign – click here to donate.
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