COLCHESTER United Women overcame a dramatic second half to beat Brightlingsea Regent Ladies 2-1 in their latest Essex County Women's League match at the Garrison, writes MATT AGER.
The league leaders started well, with Ager's delivery initially looking like it had made its way into the net before being cleared by a defender.
Her second was almost identical, this time finding Cassie Craddock-Ball in a congested area to send a finish into the net and put the U’s in front.
Greenleaf was characteristically in tune with through balls from the centre circle, demanding solid marking from the visitors.
Tricky feet got her round defenders but an alert keeper would often beat her to the loose ball.
As the match wore on, the forward fell victim to questionable challenges which incensed the team to find creative ways to break through the defence.
The U's medley of attacks was rewarded in the 45th minute following a superbly timed through-ball for Greenleaf to run onto.
The 50/50 challenge with the keeper worked in the number nine's favour, collecting the loose ball to the left of the area.
The keeper could only watch as Greenleaf composed a lofted ball towards goal, glancing the head of a covering defender on its journey but still finding its target.
Brightlingsea continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, requiring an alert U’s back line.
Gamble and Pope in particular were called upon to rule out attacks, the increase in tempo suggesting the two-goal lead was in jeopardy.
Physicality from both teams increased, the referee at times giving out final warnings for conduct.
A corner in the 64th for the visitors ended the same way as the U’s opening goal, a header delivered high and over the outstretched arm of Newstead.
Play stopped for some time due to a Newstead injury sustained from the attempted save, resulting in Paton stepping between the sticks.
Given the unexpected change, the visitors had a taste for an equaliser and upped the pressure.
The referee eventually showed a yellow to a remonstrating Brightlingsea midfielder which reduced the amount of late challenges for a time, giving the U’s time to bolster their back four and put more players behind the ball.
With a single-goal lead, the women continued to battle for another.
Jac Craddock-Ball came close in the 75th minute with great footwork getting her to within range but she was denied by the keeper.
Morgan also found herself with a one-on-one opportunity in the 90th minute.
Breaking through the defence, she unleashed a rocket at the keeper who did enough to stun its power for a defender to clear off the line.
With the referee playing several minutes of injury time, the visitors continued to push for an equaliser.
Yewman capitalised by turning a winger on the left to send a fantastic through-ball for Greenleaf.
Muscling her marker off the ball, Greenleaf unleashed a curler from outside the box which grazed the far top corner.
With Paton needing to use her borrowed gloves just once for a simple collection despite a number of second-half threats from the visitors, the U’s fairly showed their outfield strength in all positions and ability to adapt.
It bodes well for the second half of the season, where three points will be needed from all matches to secure top spot.
Colchester's next fixture takes them to Southend United Ladies for the County Cup, returning to the Garrison on November 24 where they will face Chigwell Ladies.
Colchester United Women: Adams, Ager, C Craddock-Ball, J Craddock-Ball, Daniels, Gamble, Greenleaf, Morgan, Newstead, Pope, Williams. Subs: Cahill, Paton, Yewman.
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