Colchester Friendly Abandoned
Tuesday, 26th Jul 2011 22:03
Town’s pre-season friendly at Colchester United was abandoned with eight minutes to go at 0-0 after U’s midfielder Andy Bond suffered a facial injury in a collision with his keeper Mark Cousins. Bond required lengthy treatment with the injury considered so severe that an ambulance was brought to the edge of the pitch causing the abandonment, with Bond eventually helped across to it with blood streaming down his face.
The evening had started with boss Paul Jewell handing first starts in a Town shirt to today’s signings Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and David Stockdale, and Ãvar Ingimarsson, who is over his thigh strain.
Michael Chopra was fine to start after his minor ankle knock at Southend, while Tamás Priskin was on the bench having missed the visit to Roots Hall. Nathan Ellington missed out with a shoulder injury sustained in training on Monday.
The Blues’ first ever game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium started - 15 minutes late due to crowd congestion with 2,700 Town fans making the short trip - at a frenetic pace but with neither side creating anything significant in front of goal. Carlos Edwards and Lee Martin had crosses from either side cut out as Town had the better of it. New signing Emmanuel-Thomas, who has the longest surname of any player to have featured for the Blues’ first team, was playing just off Chopra.
From an 11th minute Drury corner Tommy Smith’s header was deflected away. Ingimarsson played the ball back out to right wideman Drury, whose powerful strike was also blocked.
Grant Leadbitter, again skippering, shot weakly through to Colchester keeper Mark Cousins, then, as the game passed the 15-minute mark, Anthony Wordsworth lashed the home side’s first chance well over after a cross from the left had been allowed to reach him on the edge of the box. On 23 Colchester centre-half Magnus Okuonghae headed straight at Stockdale.
Chances continued to be rare despite the game being played at a decent tempo. Lee Martin’s 36th minute cross from the right was nodded away from Ãvar Ingimarsson at the far post, then from the resultant corner, Aaron Cresswell volleyed powerfully but inaccurately.
On 40 Colchester striker Kayode Odejayi, who had just returned from having received stiches to a head wound, left his foot in as Stockdale cleared, referee Darren Deadman choosing not to issue the yellow card which would probably have been shown in a league game.
In the final minute of first half normal time, Cresswell whipped in a cross from the left and Okuonghae headed behind just in front of Emmanuel-Thomas six yards out in front of goal.
Tommy Smith, who ended last season on loan with the U’s, smashed a shot well over, moments before referee Deadman blew his whistle.
Neither side had come that close to scoring at any stage of the half. The Blues had probably had the better of it but with the players’ lack of familiarity evident at times. New boy Emmanuel-Thomas added an aerial physical presence and showed his clever feet on a number of occasions.
Keeper Stockdale had handled confidently but hadn’t been overly tested, while Ingimarsson was an organisational and solid presence at the back and looks a potential candidate for the captain’s armband.
Jewell, who had watched the first half from the stand before making his way down to the dug-out for the second period, swapped Damien Delaney and Josh Carson for Smith and Drury at the break.
Four minutes into the new period, Colchester sub Ashley Vincent laid the ball off to Ian Henderson, who shot straight at Stockdale. Moments later, Vincent sent an effort over from the edge of the box.
Stockdale showed exactly why Jewell has brought him to Portman Road in the 54th minute when Colchester came close to going in front. Lloyd James sent in a corner from the left and Wordsworth powered a header goalwards which the on-loan Fulham man superbly palmed away from goal down to his right.
Luke Hyam replaced Martin on 55, allowing Emmanuel-Thomas to move out wide on the left then eight minutes later Jason Scotland replaced Chopra, who had shown his now usual sharp movement but without having had a chance to add to his goals.
Aaron Cresswell showed off his set piece ability in the 66th minute, hitting a well-struck freekick from the right across the box just beyond his on-rushing team-mates and similarly just wide of the post.
Three minutes later, Tamás Priskin and Mark Kennedy replaced Emmanuel-Thomas and Cresswell, who had put in his most impressive performance for the Blues so far.
The game came to a premature end after a mix-up on the edge of the Colchester area led to Cousins and Andy Bond colliding, the keeper appearing to catch the midfielder in the face with his head as they looked to clear a Town ball over the top which Scotland was chasing.
It was immediately clear that Bond had suffered a bad injury with medical staff quickly being called on to the pitch and with Cousins, who had received a more minor cut, appearing upset by the incident.
After a couple of minutes, there was a PA announcement that the game would be abandoned as an ambulance would have to be driven on to the pitch. A minute or so later, a groggy and bloodied Bond was helped to the side of the pitch and into the ambulance as the rest of the players made their way to the tunnel with some sections of the Town support booing and clearly unhappy at what was an understandable decision by referee Darren Deadman.
It was an unfortunate end to a friendly which looked as if it would have ended 0-0 in any case with the two sides creating only one significant chance, Wordsworth’s header which Stockdale saved brilliantly to his right, the game’s one moment of real quality.
Town will feel disappointed at having failed to test Cousins and that another pre-season game against lower league opposition has ended — albeit prematurely — without them being able to illustrate their divisional superiority in terms of the result.
Town: Stockdale, Edwards, Cresswell (Kennedy 69), Ingimarsson, Smith (Delaney 46), Leadbitter (Healy 73), Drury (Carson 46), Bowyer, Emmanuel-Thomas (Priskin 69), Chopra (Scotland 63), Martin (Hyam 55). Unused: Ainsley, Fülöp.
Colchester: Cousins, Rose, Okuonghae, Heath (Bond 56), O’Toole, Izzet (Baldwin 56), Odejayi (Vincent 46), Henderson, Wordsworth, James, White (Duguid 56). Unused: Eastman, Coker, Arnott, Hamilton, Bender, Pentney. Referee: Darren Deadman. Att: 6,268 (Town: 2,700).
Photo: Action Images
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slaughteredskipper added 23:04 - Jul 26
To all the 'fans' who never have a positive word to say about ITFC,
I am an optimist. I am excited about Towns new signings. Because after all if I cannot get excited about quality players like Michael Chopra, Lee Bowyer, David Stockdale and JET joining my club then what will it take? Of course it takes longer than one training session for new players to bed in. This game was part of the Blues preparation for August 6th when it really matters. Lets not write our boys off before the campaign has even got underway.
To all the fellow optimists out there - Keep believing! I have a great feeling about this season! But then I always do! |  | |
RH_ITFC added 23:06 - Jul 26
Hope all is well with Col U player.
I have to say that i was very dissappointed with the fans who had no respect and continued to sing whilst the Injured player was unconscious and to get on the back of their goalkeeper who was clearly upset by the events. they claimed to be "loyal supporters" of Ipswich but are not loyal supporters of football itself as a sport.
Other than this i feel that this was just antother boring warm up game but am happy with the new signings of J-E-T Stockdale. here's hoping to a win in the last pre season friendly before the start of the new season. |  | |
marcus139 added 23:10 - Jul 26
Who are the idiots doing this ipswich is better than everybody nonsense on this site? Stop it as i feel your braIn cell may be struggling with composing the post. If it continues, i would like you all banned. A player has been badly injured. |  | |
GTRKing added 23:11 - Jul 26
well sorry to hear about the col player. Friendlies are usally boring teams don't usally try there best |  | |
marcus139 added 23:16 - Jul 26
Oh, and while am it, have read these reports written tonite. It is a newly assembled team and i can only assume you have never kicked a ballnyourself otherwise you would know. It takes a while to get to know your team mates. To be so negative this early, i suggest you go and watch something else.foster, you are a cretin. | | |
tractordamage added 23:18 - Jul 26
Ah. Some more 'pearls of wisdom' from Jas0999...a guy who was perhaps the most pro-Keane of all the unpleasant gang who restricted the opinions from other fans...who were eventually proved right:
"However, yet another disappointing showing and as expected people already playing the 'it takes time for players to gel' card. Playing TWO up front would of course help and what a shame PJ is yet again showing his true colours by playing negative tactics. PJ must improve or attendances are likely to drop further - on the whole I doubt a negative one up will be tolerated next season."
Classic.
How ironic that it is YOU who is now showing your true colours. Trying to force your opinion on others using emotional blackmail, is that tail no longer between your legs, fella? You defend Keane to the hilt, but bang Jewell down at the first opportunity. What a great judge of football you are. You didn't even know who Sordell is. And clearly rate Keane a better manager than Jewell by your current actions.
This is an experimental friendly. Did we win most friendlies last year? Yes. right? How was Keane's reign after that? That must be how you make your ridiculous judgements. You even made an attendance comment...after a friendly.
So I'll gladly play the 'truth card' - or the 'it takes time to gel card'...because you've reminded me what a fool sounds like.
I don't want to look a fool, so I'll continue to win cash off my mates by forecasting who'll be the best players in the season...mainly using the 'settling in period' method.
The best TEAMS go up, not individuals. Bonding with your 'team' and being comfortable in your surroundings is crucial for any employee. This is really basic 'life' stuff. Hope you learn it before you enter the big wide world.
Hope the Colchester guy is alright. And let's buy the 'right hand side of the team' now PJ (and Cleggy).
COYB...a good day for transfers. |  | |
h32 added 23:19 - Jul 26
marcus139 - you're right - this is becoming blighted by moronic comments.
Compliments however to the sensible posters, negative or positive, and let's hope these prevail. | | |
KnightZ_87 added 23:21 - Jul 26
I cant believe the amount of moaning on this site tonight about the players being poor, there are seven new faces in the team, give them a chance. I hope they do hit the ground running when the season starts, but im not expecting it. It could take a few months for them to 'gel', thats the way it goes. I would be happy with a play off place this season. I would be delighted with a top two finish, but its unfair to expect a group of new signings to accomplish this straight away. |  | |
GTRKing added 23:28 - Jul 26
yh your right it dose take time & Top 2 ur having a laugh play offs we can do that & top 2 maybe. Would love top 2 maybe 1st defenders befor bristol please | | |
CraigForrestGateau added 23:30 - Jul 26
marcus139 you're spot on, its one of the main reasons I had ignored the forums for so long! | | |
h32 added 23:32 - Jul 26
KnightZ 87 - ' it could take a few months for them to 'gel' - not disagreeing with that comment totally, but if it does - you are not going to be 'happy' or 'delighted' because your hopes of a play off place, or top two finish, is NOT going to happen then is it ? | | |
h32 added 23:34 - Jul 26
.......... because certain others will 'hit the ground running' for sure. | | |
StowTractorBoy added 23:46 - Jul 26
Oh dear that was not very good at all Mr. Jewell. For me we are crying out for a Jimmy Bullard as we had absolutely no creativity at all in midfield and poor old Chopra up front was just chasing long hopeful balls. JET showed some neat touches but for a guy 6' 3 tall he had 10 aerial balls up to him and he won just three of them. He had one mazy run which excited us briefly but I was not impressed with his performance. Early days I know and he is still very young so time will tell with him. Highlights for me and there are very few - Cresswell looked lively but got caught once in the second half through lack of height but he can be pleased with his efforts tonight. Ingimarsson did reasonably well but for me Smith is a shadow of the player he was. Delaney looked more solid when he came on and could form a decent partnership with Ingimarsson. Lee Martin would get my vote for mom but to be honest there was not much to beat. Stockdale made one brilliant save in the second half and does look like a proper goalkeeper- lets hope we have him for the season. Carson must start on one of the flanks as at least he does try and take opponents on and looked quite lively when he came on. Leadbitter was solid and steady and Bowyer worked hard but they are similar players and certainly not playmakers. Colchester looked a useful little side but the worrying thing for me is that against a Div1 side we created very little in the way of goalscoring chances.
The whole evening was a bit of a nightmare really and capped by sitting in the car park for 45 minutes after the match. Shame about the abandonment but thankfully Bond the Col U player looked to be OK. Still much to do PJ and time is running out.
| | |
hellotosh1967 added 23:52 - Jul 26
I think this side is very mediocre leadbitter very poor and has been for some time we dont have one creative player in the squad that you coud honestly say could change a game very negative 4-5-1 as the midfielder's dont support the lone striker enough drury playing out of position edwards out of position no belief at all this really dosent fair well for the new season | | |
GTRKing added 23:58 - Jul 26
look we will be ok in time just gotta wait | | |
itfcjc added 23:58 - Jul 26
An average night a waste of my 15 quid
|  | |
cooper4england added 23:59 - Jul 26
Quiet night for Bowyer I assume?
Surely anyone being pessimistic has got to feel this side is going to be better than last year??????
COYB |  | |
cooper4england added 23:59 - Jul 26
Quiet night for Bowyer I assume?
Surely anyone being pessimistic has got to feel this side is going to be better than last year??????
COYB | | |
cooper4england added 00:02 - Jul 27
Quiet night for Bowyer I assume?
Surely anyone being pessimistic has got to feel this side is going to be better than last year??????
COYB | | |
churchmans added 00:04 - Jul 27
defence looked okay to me but it burns me to think what the difference would of been if we had bullard or someone of his qaulity in midfield i would say to the negatives it was only a friendly and seemed like a workout im sure with a couple more games and days together on the training pitch getting to now each other will come good! pj has virtually signed a new team! sometimes this works as all the players want to impress and try not to be to flash and work together more as a team! it was like that when i joined coplestonians everyone was new and we finished 3rd that year!! | | |
marcus139 added 00:09 - Jul 27
Suzanna, i am sure there is an anagram there and you think your v.clever....but it is dull and tedious. I havent had a season ticket since burley left, i didnt like magilton or keane and their nasty attitudes and the way they treated the players and the fans. But i like jewell, and i shall be going to every game i can this season. Lets lose the people who marred the norwich game in the spring. I hope others who were regulars feel the same way as me. | | |
ipswichtil1die added 00:12 - Jul 27
Completely agree with MattinLondon I'm actually excited about the signings we are making for once! I'll admit I'd like to see another centre back preferably but JET Chopra Bowyer are and Cresswell (who I was really impressed with tonight) are all top signings in my opinion. Can't believe how negative Jas0999 is being already if I'm honest...it's pre-season, Liverpool lost to Hull 3-0 a few days ago but none of their fans are whinging like that!! come on back the blues!!!! Looking forward to the season :-) | | |
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