Danny Cowley was a positive figure following Colchester United‘s second-round EFL Cup loss to Brentford.
The Premier League side came to Essex and secured a 1-0 win through former Hull City man Keane Lewis-Potter just shy of halftime. Despite the gap between the two sides, The U’s gave a good account of themselves on the night but could not make a mark on their opponents.
Colchester advanced to this stage following a penalty shootout win over League One side Reading after being reeled back by The Royals from a 2-0 advantage with half an hour remaining. The London club entered the competition in the second round and will now face Leyton Orient at home next month.
Speaking to club media following the game, Danny Cowley saw positives in his side’s performance. He said: “I’m proud of the players, proud of the football club. I thought our players were immense, the supporters were incredible.
“It was a great night for the academy. young Milton (Oni) at just 18, Bradley (Ihionvien), Samson (Tovide), all come through our academy and went toe to toe with Premier League players.
“We took them all the way and nothing went for us on the night. I’ve been lucky to beat Premier League teams in the past, and normally you need everything to go for you to do that. And the fact that nothing went us and yet still in the 97th minute we’re in competing and giving our all.”
Cowley and his brother Nicky were famously at the helm of Lincoln City during their FA Cup run where they eliminated Ipswich Town, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley on their way to the quarter-finals as a non-league club. Both guided The Imps into League One from the fifth tier during their three-year stay at Sincil Bank.
Their heroics earned them a move to Huddersfield Town, and whilst their fortunes may have been dented during their spells with The Terriers and Portsmouth, both have now found themselves at Colchester, looking to build a side that have been troubled by relegation worries over recent seasons.
It has been a mixed-bag start for their first full season in charge at United, occupying 17th in League Two after three fixtures. They beat title favourites MK Dons at home but have also lost twice to AFC Wimbledon and Harrogate Town amidst their cup ties.
On how this performance will shape their season going forward, Cowley added: “I’m incredibly proud of the resilience that we showed.
“I’ve lived enough dressing rooms to know when I’ve got good players, and I’m really disappointed this evening because I feel like I believe in the football gods, but I think they’ve just forgot my postcode to be honest.
“We’re gonna be alright, I’m pretty sure we’re going to be a good team.”
Writer’s View
Whilst Brentford may not have put out their strongest team, Colchester United gave a very good account of themselves last night. Some big names such as Ben Mee, Frank Onyeka and new signing Fabio Carvalho were tested by a team they really should have pushed over with ease. Danny Cowley’s men will hold their heads high reflecting back on that match even if the result might sting now.
Obviously cup games are one-offs, but if they can translate what they have done to Brentford in their league matches, they can stave off the relegation battle with ease. Their attacking options of Samson Tovide and Bradley Ihionvien are physically strong and will test any defender in the league, and if they can win that battle and convert it into goals, there is no reason why they can’t ascend further up the League Two table.
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