Colchester United were beaten 2-0 at Newport County to drop to fourth in the League Two table.

Away-day blues

COLCHESTER United will probably be pretty relieved to be back on home soil, for their next game.

Their defeat at Newport County was their fourth successive loss on the road in all competitions, with only one goal scored in that time.

Indeed, the U’s have managed just one win in their last eight away games in stark contrast to their excellent home form, where they have won their last five matches.

John McGreal’s side will be hoping it is a case of home, sweet home when they host fellow promotion hopefuls Exeter City at the JobServe Community Stadium, next weekend.

Seven of their own

THERE was an organic feel to Colchester United’s starting line-up for their game at Newport County.

The inclusion of Diaz Wright for the suspended Harry Pell meant that there were seven academy players in the U’s side that lined up, at Rodney Parade.

In addition, home-grown trio Cameron James, Ollie Kensdale and Noah Chilvers were among the substitutes for Colchester along with fellow youngster, Ryan Gondoh.

“That’s what we’re doing at the football club, giving opportunities,” said boss John McGreal, who drew positives from the presence of having so many academy-grown players at Newport.

Goal shortage

IT almost seems crazy to suggest that Colchester United are struggling for goals, given how prolific they were in the opening three months of the season.

Indeed, the U’s are the second highest scorers in League Two, with an impressive 31 goals to their name.

However, by their high standards they have not been nearly as potent over recent games, finding the net just four times in their last seven matches.

They had their moments at Newport, with Frank Nouble’s effort cleared off the line by the impressive Padraig Amond and Courtney Senior’s deflected shot hitting the bar.

But Colchester lacked a cutting edge in the final third and it is no coincidence that their lack of goals of late has coincided partly with the absence of injured striker, Luke Norris.

The quicker he is back, the better.

Matt finish

THERE are some players who seem to enjoy scoring against certain clubs.

And in Jamille Matt’s case, Colchester United seem to be a particular favourite.

The 29-year-old striker has been a bit of a thorn in the side of the U’s over recent years.

He proved so again yesterday and has now scored against them for three different clubs after netting Newport County’s opener in their 2-0 win at Rodney Parade.

Rumour has it that the U’s were interested in signing Matt, once upon a time and you can see why.

Welcome home

AARON Collins may have only featured in the final stages of Colchester United’s game at Newport County.

But the 21-year-old was nevertheless afforded one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon, upon his return to Rodney Parade.

Collins, on loan at Colchester from Wolves, was born in Newport and rose through the club’s academy ranks before representing their first team, so it’s no wonder he received such a positive welcome.

He left them to join Wolves in January, 2016 but it seems Exiles fans do not forget one of their own.