PROBLEMS AT BOTH ENDS

AFTER seeing his side crash to a fourth successive away defeat, Colchester United head coach John McGreal must analyse what went wrong at both ends of the pitch.

While some of the U’s defending was poor to say the least at Cheltenham Town, they were equally as sloppy in attack.

Colchester have already shipped ten goals on their travels so far this season, conceding three times in three of those matches.

But their inability to seize their opportunities at key times has really cost them in all of their away games so far, this season.

Both areas will have to be examined closely on the training ground, next week.

PLAYING THE SYSTEM

IT might not have secured them the result they were looking for at Cheltenham but Colchester’s switch to a diamond formation and a flat back four at half-time proved effective.

It at least helped the U’s get more of a foothold in the game in the second half, with the introduction of winger Drey Wright particularly telling.

McGreal would not be drawn on the prospect of starting Colchester’s next away game – at Grimsby Town on Tuesday week – with a similar approach, preferring instead to focus on the home game with Wycombe Wanderers, this Saturday.

But as he looks for a ways to end his side’s disastrous away form, the value of adopting a different system on the road might well have given the head coach food for thought.

ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

COLCHESTER supporters have sadly grown accustomed to their team being without key players.

It is indicative of the U’s severe injury problems that the absence of important squad members from matchday action is no longer a surprise.

To his credit, McGreal has never used the injuries as an excuse for poor results.

And Colchester’s opponents Cheltenham were not without their own ailments – they were only able to name six players on their bench because of the players they had missing.

But of the nine senior players the U’s are currently without, the vast majority would have an excellent chance of making their starting line-up and it is definitely a factor.

SPOT ON

THERE were not too many positives from Colchester’s defeat at Cheltenham.

But the performance of goalkeeper Sam Walker was one of them.

The U’s shot stopper saved another penalty – his second spot-kick save in three matches – and also pulled off some good saves.

He walked off the field at Whaddon Road having conceded three goals but was left exposed by his defence for two of them, while the other Cheltenham strike took a deflection before flying past him.

Walker has made an impressive start to the season and without his influence, the U’s league position might be even more concerning.

GETTING SHIRTY

“WE changed the shape again and then it was a bit of a blur in the green kit,” said McGreal after Colchester’s defeat at Cheltenham.

The U’s boss must be getting sick of the sight of seeing his side lose in their change strip.

Four times Colchester have worn their lime green away kit this season – and four times they have lost.

Perhaps it is time for them to revert to a different colour on their travels.

If it means the away form improving, U’s supporters would probably take just about any solution right now.