Colchester United Ladies FC are on their way to a County Cup final following their defeat of West Ham United Ladies this Sunday. West Ham, who are the current cup holders fell to their first ever defeat in the Essex County Cup competition
At the third time of trying the County Cup Semi final was completed between the two premier league sides within the county as the last two weeks have fallen victim to the poor weather. With neither side playing many games over the last 3 months it was always going to be the side who was able to blow the cob webs away first would take a strangle hold of this game.
The Thurrock pitch was in good condition considering the weather over the last 3 months, but a gusty wind was going to be a factor as well. It was Colchester who started the game the strongest taking the game to their hosts from the first whistle. In the early exchanges Colchester threatened to created good chances without any end product. From a flicked on header in the midfield Helen Bass raced clear of the defence and from the edge of the box, finished by lifting the ball over the keeper the give the U’s a deserved lead. A reaction from West Ham was restricted by a confident U’s side who pressured the Hammers all over the park and the Colchester back four provided a secure foundation for a strong performance. From a creative reverse pass by Doyle, Bass once again found herself clear of the defence and slotted the ball past the West Ham keeper to give the visitors a 2 goal lead within the first 15 mins. This did spark a reaction from the Home Side and started to edge their way into the game. West ham managed to create a couple of opportunities which Downham was ruled offside when finishing from the edge of the box and a smart save from Runnacles prevent Roache from getting on the score sheet. Again it was Colchester who finished the half the strongest by picking up the tempo and pace of the game and unsettling West Ham on the ball. Colchester threatened again at the West Ham goal. A well worked free kick was met by Porter, only to see her header crash back off the bar and minutes later another free kick which this time saw Porter hit the back of the net was ruled out through offside. A strong first half from the U’s, put them in a happy position at half time.
The second half forced a reaction from West Ham who made a change at the break. The wind now behind the hosts forced the territory of the game to be more in the Colchester half of the pitch. A nervous start to the half by the visitors, added to the confidence West Ham and looked like they may create some chances by forcing corners and set pieces in the final third. A relist ant Colchester defence and midfield stood strong whilst the attacking force pressured and rushed the West Ham back four into poor forward passes. Colchester weathered the storm which resulted in one clear opportunity that Runnacles managed to prevent by being quick of her line to force a rushed finish. Colchester then started to gain some territory and forced some half chances themselves which the West Ham Number 1 was equal to.
With both sides making changes in the final 15 mins to change their approach, Colchester reversed to preventing space in behind and within their own half, which West Ham were unable to find an answer for and entries into the Colchester penalty area were from set pieces and dealt with confidently by Colchester.
A delighted Colchester United team at the final whistle reflected on a strong performance and a very satisfying result which see’s them progress to the final on Thursday 8th April at Great Wakering against Braintree Town.
Colchester United Manager Steve Bartlett reflected by congratulating his players and staff team “ We’ve only played two fixtures during the last 3 months and it’s through players and staff who have worked hard to continue to keep a high level of consistency and rhythm going. Some things had been wrote and said which added to our motivation for today’s game and our game plan was executed brilliantly by the players, we were possible unfortunate to only 2 goals up at the break with such a dominant performance. Fair play to West Ham who were able to restrict us during the second half. It was always going to be about the team who started the fastest and that proved right with such a blistering start by us. I hope that we can now keep this high level of performance for the remaining games as we still have key targets to achieve which I know the players and staff are all fighting to succeed in”
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