Colchester United inched closer to the League Two play-off spots with a dramatic late win against Newport County – but head coach Danny Cowley insists his side won’t be getting ahead of themselves.
The U’s looked set for a frustrating draw at Rodney Parade until Fiacre Kelleher and Anthony Scully struck late to secure a vital 2-0 victory. The three points now leave them just one shy of the top seven, keeping their promotion hopes very much alive.
Late Drama Across the Division
Elsewhere, fellow play-off contenders Grimsby Town had appeared on course to extend the gap over Colchester to five points. But a last-gasp collapse saw them draw 2-2 at Harrogate Town, allowing the Essex club to make up ground.
Despite the favourable turn of events, Cowley was quick to play down any talk of momentum or hype, preferring to focus on performance and consistency.
“All about focus on us, which I think is the right way to be. Not for us to get too excited, there will be lots of twists and turns. [It’s] for us just to stay focused on trying to perform.”
Colchester began brightly, with early chances falling to Arthur Read, Oscar Thorn, and Samson Tovide, but a strong start was disrupted by an injury to striker Lyle Taylor, who was stretchered off after an awkward landing.
Newport responded well and forced Matt Macey into two fine saves before the break, with David Ajiboye going closest early in the second half when he struck the outside of the post.
Eventually, Cowley’s men regained control. A pinpoint delivery from Mandela Egbo was met by Kelleher, whose header found the net with just two minutes left on the clock. The win was sealed in stoppage time after a Newport free-kick was cleared and Owura Edwards broke forward, laying the ball off to Scully to finish clinically.
Cowley praised both players for their contributions, noting Kelleher’s set-piece threat and Scully’s persistence despite recent injury setbacks.
“Brilliant ball by Manny and Kels has got that telescopic neck… To see the goal get given at a really important moment was obviously great.”
Writer’s View
Colchester’s ability to dig deep and grind out results in tight games could prove vital in the closing stages of the season. Cowley’s refusal to be swept up in emotion shows a grounded leadership style that’s likely to keep his squad focused. With momentum building and injured players returning, the U’s may just be timing their run to perfection.
