Five talking points from Colchester United's win over Macclesfield Town.

One goal is enough - again

ANOTHER game – another 1-0 win for Colchester United.

A single goal once again proved enough for John McGreal’s side to claim victory, against bottom side Macclesfield Town.

The U’s have won five of their last eight League Two matches by a 1-0 scoreline, including three of their last four home games.

McGreal admitted he was disappointed his side did not do more to add to their lead in the second half.

But it was nevertheless another three valuable points in Colchester’s ongoing quest for promotion.

Cover star

IT was appropriate that Mikael Mandron was the cover star on the front of Colchester United’s matchday programme yesterday.

After going 28 games without finding the net, the striker’s first goal in nearly nine months proved crucial against Macclesfield Town.

It was a sweet strike by the U’s forward, who is looking sharper with every game after returning to their starting line-up.

Last season, Mandron struck up a fruitful partnership with Sammie Szmodics and the same thing appears to be happening again.

The Frenchman’s all-round game was impressive against Macclesfield and he thoroughly deserved his first goal since March.

Acquaintances renewed

IT has been nearly 18 years since John McGreal last locked swords with Sol Campbell.

On that occasion, the U’s boss came on as a late substitute for Ipswich Town in their 3-0 win over Campbell’s Spurs side, back in 2000.

Not that McGreal could recall that match too clearly.

“I’ve think I’ve headed too many balls!” said the Colchester head coach who was on the winning side against Campbell again this weekend as a manager after guiding his side to an important 1-0 win over Macclesfield Town team.

McGreal will be happy to see his U’s side stay in the automatic promotion places after their win.

For Campbell, the focus is at the other end of the League Two table and trying to drag his Macclesfield side away from danger.

Norris boost

A SECOND successive victory was not the only big positive to come out of Colchester United’s win over Macclesfield Town.

The presence of Luke Norris among the U’s substitutes was a lift for everyone, after the striker had spent a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

“He’s beaten all the records coming back and it’s a terrific recovery for him,” said head coach John McGreal, who was understandably delighted to have his joint leading scorer available again.

Norris played the final 15 minutes or so of the U’s win after coming on for match-winner Mikael Mandron.

And with a busy schedule approaching over Christmas and New Year, the former Brentford striker’s return is a big boost.

Tight at the top

THIS weekend’s results at the top of League Two showed once again how tight the division is.

It was important Colchester United claimed the victory they did, for had they not they would have lost ground on the top two and dropped out of the automatic promotion places.

Just seven points currently separate eight teams between third and tenth spot, so it was imperative the U’s secured three points against bottom club Macclesfield Town.

Leaders MK Dons – who Colchester play in a fortnight’s time – also won as did second-placed Lincoln City, so John McGreal’s side remain five points off top spot.

And teams immediately below them like Bury, Mansfield Town and Tranmere Rovers were also victorious.

With the midway point of the season fast approaching, the U’s are sticking in there.