Havering vs Colchester

Havering hosted Colchester at the weekend hoping to improve on the prior week’s performance against Potters bar which resulted in a disappointing draw.

The 1st XI started brightly against the visitors who at the time of play occupied the bottom place in the table.

The home side retained possession for much of the first half, utilising the experienced defensive line to patiently transfer the ball across the pitch and build play well. The midfield, lead by the effort and work rate of Harry Andrews linked up with the youthful attack but Colchester’s deep defensive line made it difficult for Havering to convert possession into meaningful opportunity. Short corners and notably efforts by Oliver Hinton and Adam Willet didn’t yield a return for Havering, and Andy Gaut thwarted a Colchester break away opportunity against the run of play. The half closed out as it began 0-0.

Havering started as they finished the first half utilising a patient play style to build long periods of possession but were unable to capitalise in the very congested final third as Colchester continued to sit deep.

The breakthrough finally came for Havering from a short corner that was expertly converted by Harry Andrews via a superb drag flick.

Havering played out the final stages again keeping the ball for much of the time. Andy Gaut was called into play once more to save from close range but Havering weathered a stormy close to the game and the fixture ended 1-0.