The lads were joined by Jack and Matt (Dave's friends) who were excited what Colchester had to offer. But heading off to Essex we were concerned that the game would not offer the same excitement as the previous rounds had. Both teams were 23rd in the respective leagues, League One and the Championship. One would forgive either side playing a weakened team with vital league games ahead. But no, once again the FA Cup produced one hell of a game!
We arrived in Colchester with time to spare, even after getting terribly confused around the roundabout system despite already visiting the Weston Homes Community Stadium. We had enough time for Jack and Matt to pick up some souvenirs from the club shop and for all us to buy an overpriced burger.
With the rain bucketing it down we headed into shelter and found our seats. This time we decided to sit in with the real hardcore Colchester fans, because after two games of watching the U's we were avid fans.
There was one problem however, we didn't know any Colchester songs. After listening hard to the fans chant it became apparent that the word 'Colchester' doesn't fit into any football song. So instead the Colchester fans cleverly sing 'Go U's' - quite easy to pick up really! (*Edit* After posting this blog some kind Colchester fans have notified us that they actually sing 'ColU'. Colchester fans really are lovely!)
The game was a cracker - from start to finish. Colchester played with style, pace and flair, you seriously wouldn't know they were struggling in League One. But as great as Colchester were, Charlton were equally bad. The U's had chance after chance and finally put one in the back of the net when George Moncur fired in a beautiful left-footed shot.
This set the home fans off. The atmosphere was fantastic and we were chanting along to the Colchester songs. "George Moncur, my Lord, George Moncurrrr!"
Just before half-time man-of-the-match Marvin Sordell put the U's 2-0 ahead with a calmly slotted finish. And the cup upset was on... Charlton, 24 places ahead of Colchester were about to be dumped out of the cup.
The second half display was just as dominant. Sordell and Moncur were running the show and shredding the Charlton defence in two but thanks to the woodwork and the keeper the game remained within the grasp of Charlton. Eventually Charlton grabbed a consolation goal in injury time through the brilliant named Reza Ghoochannejhad.
But Colchester hung on to a famous 2-1 win and are in the hat for the 4th Round of the FA Cup for the first time in 10 years. And we will be there every step of the way!
On the 140 mile journey back to Oxford we went through all the remaining teams left in the competition and decided who we want to face in the next round. Although we would love a big away tie at Anfield or Old Trafford, we think that Colchester would give anyone a good game at home. Bring on Manchester United at the Weston Homes Community Stadium!
Come on you U's!
Love this idea guys, I hope you get to follow my team for at least a few more posts. Up the U's
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil, we hope so too!
DeleteCome on you U's!
Colchester fans and team were exemplary visitors to my team Wealdstone in the first round, we wish them the best in R4 and beyond
ReplyDelete