Rushden & Diamonds 0   Colchester Utd LFC    1  (Golding)

 Match Report courtesy of Fred Astaire

After last weeks poor performance against Bedford it was going to be interesting to see the reaction from the Colchester team in their long journey to Rushden.  Manager Steve Downey must have been delighted with the response.  Straight from the kick off Colchester took control of the game and had the majority of the possession in the first half hour.  With Kayleigh Morgan and Hannah Porter attacking down both flanks they had Rushden defending from the start.  Kate Longhurst got in some good early crosses only to see the well organised Rushden defence clear to safety.  Rushden also had their moments and looked dangerous on the break and Krista Hultquist and Danielle Griffiths had to be at their sharpest to repel the attacks.

But for all their efforts, Colchester didn't work the Rushden keeper enough to score the all important goal.  In fact, it was Rushden who came closest to scoring in the first half from a long range effort that rattled the crossbar.  Colchester continued to attack with the pace of Toni Smith worrying the Rushden defence.  It was still 0-0 though when they went in at half time.

H-T 0-0

The game continued at the same pace after the break and Colchester went close when Jade Morgan was unlucky to see her shot rebound off a post.  Colchester continued to exert pressure and twice within a couple of minutes Smith went close with shots just missing the target.  Manager Downey had moved Longhurst into midfield for the second half and she started to take hold of the game with some creative moves and some stout tackling.  This also allowed Emma Wake to be more involved and create some chances for the Colchester forwards.  Rosee Golding won some important battles in midfield as Colchester continued to impress, but still failed to make the all important breakthrough.  Colchester again came close to scoring when Carolyn hit the bar with a shot from just inside the penalty area.

Colchester finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when they were awarde a free kick 25 yards out and Golding stepped up and placed the ball into the top corner of the net.  Rushden responded well with a few attacks and under 16 keeper Nikita Runnicles made a great save to stop them equalising.  But Colchester held on and went close to increasing their lead but had to settle for a 1-0 victory.

This was a great team effort with some fine individual performances as well.  It was a thoroughly deserved win and they now need to take this confidence into next weeks game to keep the pressure on league leaders Northampton.