Let\’s be \’Avin You

Saturday 16th January 2010

LEAGUE ONE: COLCHESTER 0 – NORWICH 5

And there was me settling for a draw before kick-off…..

Wooahhh!! I am a very happy girl tonight! What an absolutely fantastic day for us City fans. Not only did we beat our East Anglian rivals by 5, that’s FIVE, goals to nada, but we also made ground on Leeds, who lost for only the second time this season against Exeter. Could our day have been any better?! (Well, Charlton could’ve made it perfect by failing to score a second at Wycombe, but hey, let’s not complain too much!)

I fear in my euphoric state, I may end up writing a load of dribble (no pun intended) but will try to stay composed as I round up today’s performance.

PRE-MATCH HYPE

We all know of the pre-match hype, led rather vocally by Robbie Cowling, however refusing to be drawn on it, Lambert kept himself very much out of it. Cowling perhaps should’ve taken note. Instead he chose several times, to express his own opinion on Norwich – including on BBC’s Football Focus today – and now, well, he looks a bit silly doesn’t he? Once again, Lambert got it just right.

Oh how he’ll be wishing he kept quiet….

TEAM CITY

Yet again, City were unchanged for the trip to the Weston Homes Community Stadium. (Rolls of the tongue that one, doesn’t it?) Rotation on the bench though, as new signing Zak Whitbread and Stephen Hughes took their place.

FAN WATCH

The City fans were given a stand behind one of the goals, and of course filled it with ease. In fact, we probably could’ve filled the entire stadium ourselves, such was the demand, but circumstances dictated only a small portion of those who wanted to go, were allowed.

As always it was a fantastic atmosphere pre-kick off, with the City fans as always in full voice. They certainly did there best to drown out the brass band that were congregated in the corner of the pitch, who were playing the ‘Match of the Day’ theme tune. (Well, I suppose the tune to the Football League show is not as catchy. Actually, you can‘t even call it tune can you??) They also managed ‘The Great Escape.’ Mmmm, funny.

Lambert was greeted with a ’special’ welcome from the home fans…in return he treated them to a cheeky wave. Loved it! The away fans of course, afforded him all the praise he deserves.

FIRST HALF

One noticeable factor in the Weston Co…. the stadium (it’s easier) was the state of the pitch. Suffering heavily due to rain in the area, it was not the sort of surface that City would’ve preferred. Nevertheless, it wasn’t going to stop City from making an impression.

It did however, stop the ball from making an impression at times. As early as the 2nd minute, a ball that appeared to be going out, was held up by the pitch, allowing Anthony Wordsworth time to collect and set up Marc Tierney for a cross into the area. Nelson cleared, but the ball fell to David Fox, who fortunately, from 15 yards out, blazed over.

Colchester called upon the use of a towel, as Tierney sized up a long-throw. His resulting short-throw, allowed another cross into the box, which this time City failed to deal with. Wordsworth was almost poetry in motion, ahem, as he attempted to curl the ball into the corner of the net. Fortunately Fraser Forster was alert, and got down quickly to his left to palm the ball away .

There was no doubt the ‘U’ were having the better of the early stages, as City struggled to get into the game. Wordsworth was again involved, his cross punched clear by Fraser, only for Fox to pick the ball up and strike at goal. Three City players were there to take the bulk of the shot, and shouts for a penalty were waved away by referee Mike Dean.

Minutes later, City mounted their first attack of the game. And scored! Darel Russell aimed to run the ball past the halfway line, only for the pitch to rudely halt his progress. However, the ball found Russell Martin, who played it to Wes Hoolahan. The Irishman chipped the ball forward to Korey Smith, who failed in his attempt to get a hold of the ball. However, a poor clearance from the Colchester defence, fell to Chris Martin, who lived up to Lambert’s assessment of him being one of the best finishers his seen, by taking the ball on his left-foot, and slotting it home. Brilliant!! First attempt, first goal! The City fans went crazy; Lambert went crazy. The Colchester fans, well they were angry.

The boy can finish…

As was Marc Tierney, who in clumsy fashion, took out Wes Hoolahan at chest height, just minutes after the restart. Hoolahan understandably retaliated, whilst others joined in the mellay. The end result saw Hoolahan & Tierney enter the book, with Chris Martin and Kevin Lisbie closely following.

The pitch was suffering badly in the conditions, and inevitably it effected the quality of passing on show. Intended passes were falling short of their targets, whilst the unpredictability was causing indecision and errors. All very Sunday-league stuff, but the City players were undeterred. In particular Fraser Forster, who was called into action several times as the first half wore on, but dealt brilliantly with everything being thrown at him.

Grant Holt was the fifth name into the book, after, having being warned, continued to throw himself about a bit too much. Odds for a sending off were shortening all the time.

Colchester were having more of the ball, but failing to take their chances. How ironic, and sweet, then that it was City who scored next.

Out of nowhere, as half-time was drawing to a close, Holt had the awareness to pick out a great ball to Chris Martin. Martin was through on goal, but appeared to stumble as the pitch again was having it’s say on the plight of the ball. However, the striker showed great composure as he entered the area, and his shot was enough to beat the outstretched Williams, (and pitch) and into the left-hand corner of the goal. Woahh!!!! Again City fans went crazy, and again Lambert couldn’t contain his delight!!! Two goals up despite the lack of goal attempts – the stuff of Champions maybe? City fans were already chanting for seven…..

Super, Super Chris, Super, Super Chris, Super, Super Chris, Super Chrissy Martin…

Before the whistle brought an end to proceedings, Gary Doherty was added to the growing list of names in the referees book, after kicking the ball away. Silly booking, but he made up for it later in the game…

HALF-TIME ANALYSIS

The first-half couldn’t have gone any better for City. An incredible half, which knocked the stuffing out of the 8,000 odd Colchester fans that had turned up to make it the highest attendance so far at their new home. Highest attendance too for 40-odd years by all accounts…you only came to see the City, came to see the City! Hehe…

One concern was the state of the pitch. If it was to get any worse, there would be a danger of ‘match abandoned.’ City were left hoping it would hold out.

As chuffed as I was at half-time, I was wary to get too carried away. City surely wouldn’t throw a two-goal lead with they? 90% of me said they wouldn’t, although there was 10% that was all ready for a ‘U’s backlash….

SECOND HALF ANTICS

Fortunately the majority of me was right, as only four minutes into the second half, City extended their lead. This time, a free-kick into the area from Russell, saw the Doc challenge in the air. Neither he or the Colchester defender made clean contact, and the ball dropped down to the feet of Doherty. Our centre-half then showed a touch of the predatory instinct that has been so apparent of late, by taking a touch, then lashing home with his left foot, to make it three! Incredible!!!!! At this point, I would imagine Cowling was beginning to regret his so-animated wish that he’d never wanted to win a game so badly.

Are you a striker in disguise?? How I love The Doc!

City were now in control, and should’ve extended their lead further on 56 minutes. Holt was brought down in the area after a clumsy challenge by defender Okuonghae. Up stepped regular taker Hoolahan, who saw his effort crash off the crossbar. The rebound fell to the Irishman and he slotted home, but the goal was not given, as it had not touched an opposing player. Oh the rules….

The game was certainly hotting up in the wet conditions, and not just on the pitch. A furious Colchester fan decided it would be a good idea to take on the entire City following, however his efforts were thwarted by police, who soon had him wrestled to the ground. Eegit. Meanwhile at pitch level, Holt was getting himself involved again, and again the ref had to have a word.

On 69 minutes, Lambert decided it was time for a change, and brought on Oli Johnson for Hoolahan. Our new signing wasted little time in making an impression. After a silky Maradonna turn, the youngster saw his goal-bound effort spin up off the defender. Fantastic stuff by the former Stockport man, he was desperate to get in on the goals.

And he did! On 82 minutes, a mistake by defender Baldwin, allowed Johnson in. With work still to do, the striker faked a dummy to stump two defenders, and slotted home calmly with his left-foot. The ball just made it over the line, despite the pitch’s best efforts to stop it. FOUR-NIL!! It was just getting better and better…. Oli, Oli, Oli….

City fans were in dream land, and the atmosphere amongst them was just incredible! Not wanting to be left out of the celebrations, Lambert duly responded when asked what the score was – take that!

Lambert, Lambert what’s the score?….

As the game drew to a close, City weren’t finished. On 90 minutes, a long ball forward found Holt in the area, who composed as ever, rounded the ‘keeper and slotted home for five!! Cue the obligatory sliding in the mud, and barmy celebrations amongst the City following, who just couldn’t believe how perfect their day was getting!!

The U’s had brought on former City academy player, Ian Henderson, in the hope of resurrecting something from the game, however his debut will be remembered for the red-card he received for a dangerous tackle on Darel Russell. Silly boy, it typified the U’s afternoon.

The chants for seven proved a bit too much, as City ran out of time. As the final-whistle was sounded, City players and fans celebrated. What an emphatic win. The best to date, and on a day when Leeds dropped points at the top…wow, just unbelievable! We couldn’t have imagined it any better.

NUMBER OF REMOVED CITY FANS

I’m not entirely sure of the actual number yet, but I heard that two were seen being removed from the home section after the first goal. If you were a City fan in the home area that stayed for 90 minutes, do let us know!!

Also, I did note as the game wore on, that a number of Colchester fans were also removed….oh sorry, no, they just went home early. (Oh, I couldn’t resist….)

POST-MATCH THOUGHTS

Lambert said afterwards;

“I’m pretty sure that today was sweet for them after what happened on the opening day of the season. We will do everything we can to try and go up this season but for this moment in time I hope e gave them something to feel happy about today.”

Oh you did boys, you did. Sweet indeed.

Enjoy your celebrations City fans. I’m now off to continue mine. Will see you again soon.

Until next time, Ee-aye, ee-aye, ee-aye oh, up the football league we go…….

P.S Good to see Gunny at the game. Even after everything, he’s still a Norwich man.

Report This Post