COLCHESTER United Women are still gunning for promotion following a 2-0 victory over Brentwood Town Ladies, writes MATT AGER.

A solid all-round U's performance was rewarded by goals from Lindsey Morgan and Cassie Craddock-Ball, stunning the hosts who were previously undefeated at home.

The win puts Colchester top of the Essex County Women's Football League table but all eyes are on Hashtag who, with a game in hand, will be clear by a point should they beat She Can Play Panthers on November 10.

The U’s played with a harsh low Autumn sun on their backs, tempting aerial attempts at the Brentwood keeper who was shielding her eyes for much of the half.

 

Ruby Vinton and Jasmine Cox had impressive link-up play in the opening minute but Brentwood were quick to respond by feeding a pacey number nine on the left wing.

But for Leah Pope’s reading of the situation and sprinting across the area to shut out an attempt, Newstead would have had to put her gloves to work.

Brentwood appeared to dominate midfield during the opening minutes, winning headers and sending lofted through-balls to the left wing time and again.

Despite the U’s back line being wise to the tactic, a superbly timed ball beat the offside trap to invite an early strike which was safely handled by Jamie Newstead.

The left wing continued to see most of the action from both teams, Vinton collecting counters from Jac Craddock-Ball who delivered a robust left-back performance, further showing her versatility around the pitch.

Colchester went ahead in the 33rd minute; Vinton dummied a shot to cut in onto her right and unleash a rocket at goal and despite a good save from the home keeper, the ball fell invitingly to Morgan for a simple finish.

The lead appeared to give the U’s more confidence to send both wingers forward with their characteristic through-balls that have carved up defence around the county over the past season.

Morgan supplied one such ball for Ruby Greenleaf but couldn’t quite connect with the finish, but fairly represented the increase in physicality and threatening play.

The 40th minute saw Morgan deliver a dangerous corner that was cleared to the edge of the box, inviting Gamble to send a first-time rocket at goal that just missed its target.

Gamble would feature for much of the match, holding a solid back line and winning challenges to put the balance back in the U’s favour.

Brentwood dominated early in the second half, visibly introducing a different style of play that consisted mostly of neat one-twos and supplying both wings.

With the hosts playing a higher line, the U’s punished a weakened defence with Vinton’s trademark counters on the wing.

An impressive cut-back resulted in a drilled cross that was a little too heavy for Greenleaf, but prompted a number of similar attacks.

Brentwood continued to rattle the U’s at times but a solid back line returned the dominance and meant potential threats were dealt with.

Daniels found herself in the thick of the action, ably controlling the outskirts of the area and frustrating wingers’ attempts.

A barrage of fresh attacks from the U’s were eventually rewarded with another dangerous Morgan corner, in the 82nd minute.

Cassie Craddock-Ball's half-volley grass-cutter from the edge of the box found its way between defenders and across the line, as Colchester claimed victory.

Colchester United Women: Jamies Newstead, Thalia Adams, Jasmine Cox, Cassie Craddock-Ball, Jac Craddock-Ball, Learna Daniels, Niamh Gamble, Ruby Greenleaf, Lindsey Morgan, Leah Pope, Ruby Vinton. Subs: Ager, Cahill, Farrow, Paton, Williams.

Player of the Match: Niamh Gamble.