COLCHESTER United claimed a well-deserved 3-0 win over Arsenal under-21s to progress in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Goals from Tom Hopper, Harry Anderson and Mandela Egbo helped the U’s see off the young Gunners and progress to the knockout stages of the competition, as Southern Group E winners.
Here are the U’s player ratings, after Danny Cowley’s side claimed their biggest win in more than a year.
TOM SMITH 8
Was well protected by his defence but looked assured whenever he was called up against former club
MANDELA EGBO 9
Capped an excellent performance with a brilliantly-taken first-ever Colchester goal
BEN GOODLIFFE 8
Made a fine block from a goalbound shot in the first half and produced a solid performance
AARON DONNELLY 8
Continued his impressive recent form by playing his part in helping Colchester keep a clean sheet
ELLIS IANDOLO 8
Performed well in the first half at left-back before being taken off at half-time in readiness for the weekend
JAMIE MCDONNELL 8
Ensured Arsenal’s youngsters had little time on the ball in midfield and was busy throughout
ARTHUR READ 8
Shook off an early knock to play his part in Colchester’s convincing victory; went close with a late free-kick
OSCAR THORN 8
Provided the assist for Hopper’s goal and was denied by Okonkwo before the break
HARRY ANDERSON 9
Scored his third goal in four games with an excellent finish and gave Gunners right-back Nichols a tough evening
JACK PAYNE 9
U’s man of the match. Was absolutely everywhere for the U’s and covered every blade of grass. Booked
TOM HOPPER 8
U’s skipper made no mistake with his first-half goal and led by example throughout with attitude and work rate
SUBSTITUTES
TOM FLANAGAN (for Iandolo, 46) 7
Came on at the break and helped Colchester seal their win and keep a clean sheet
ALEX WOODYARD (for McDonnell, 62) 7
Battled for every ball after coming on for the final half hour
HAKEEM SANDAH (for Anderson, 62) 7
Tried to make things happen on the left flank in the second half on his U’s home debut
RASHAAD DRYSDALE (for Egbo, 81)
OLIVER GODZIEMSKI (for Payne, 81)
Substitutes (not used): Taylor, Chamberlain.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here