Colchester United surged into the League Two play-off positions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fleetwood Town, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 games.
Second-half goals from Lyle Taylor, Owura Edwards, and Jack Payne sealed the win at the JobServe Community Stadium, securing Colchester’s fifth consecutive triumph in just 14 days.
Clinical second half breaks Fleetwood’s resistance
The opening 45 minutes saw both sides create chances, with Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch twice denying Edwards and producing a superb double save to thwart Harry Anderson. At the other end, Matt Macey made a crucial stop from Owen Devonport to keep the scores level at the break.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when Anderson teed up Taylor, who coolly clipped his shot into the far corner. Just four minutes later, Taylor was involved again, executing a slick backheel in midfield to launch an attack that ended with Edwards drilling a shot through Lynch’s legs for 2-0.
Colchester sealed victory in style five minutes from time as Payne unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards, capping off a superb performance.
“To get five wins in 14 days is an incredible effort from everyone involved,” manager Danny Cowley told BBC Essex. “When you play your fifth game in 14 days against a team that’s had a clear week to prepare, it becomes really tough physically, but also mentally. The way the boys ran for each other was brilliant.”
“We had a brilliant start for the first 20-25 minutes, with such energy and intensity, but just before half-time we let one or two too many crosses in. In any game there’s a period when you have to see it through and dig deep and we did that.”
Colchester eye top-two clash with Bradford
With momentum firmly on their side, Colchester now turn their attention to a crucial clash against second-placed Bradford City next weekend. With the play-offs now within reach, Cowley’s side will be eager to maintain their fine form and continue their push up the table.
Writer’s view
Colchester United are proving to be one of the form teams in League Two, and their latest dominant display highlights their promotion credentials. The way they controlled the second half and picked apart Fleetwood suggests they have the quality to sustain this run. Bradford will be a real test, but right now, confidence in the Colchester camp will be sky-high.
