2017–18 Colchester United F.C. season

The 2017–18 season was Colchester United's 81st season in their history and their second successive season competing in League Two. Along with competing in League Two, the club will also participate in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and EFL Trophy.

Colchester United
2017–18 season
OwnerRobbie Cowling
ChairmanRobbie Cowling[1]
Head coachJohn McGreal
StadiumColchester Community Stadium
League Two13th
FA Cup1st round
(eliminated by Oxford City)
EFL Cup1st round
(eliminated by Aston Villa)
EFL TrophyGroup stage
Top goalscorerLeague:
Sammie Szmodics (12)

All:
Sammie Szmodics (13)
Highest home attendance6,603
v Aston Villa, 9 August 2017[2]
Lowest home attendance572
v Reading U23, 29 August 2017[3]
Average home league attendance3,185[4]
Biggest win5–1
v Forest Green Rovers, 26 August 2017
Biggest defeat0–3
v Luton Town, 19 August 2017
1–4
v Cheltenham Town, 6 January 2018

A poor start to the new campaign meant that Colchester were chasing to catch up from the off. An upturn in form came about over the Christmas period, reaching a high of fifth in the table. Again, the U's were made to pay with a drop in late season form, where they eventually in the bottom-half of League Two. Finishing 13th, this was Colchester's worst league performance since the 1993–94 season when the U's finished 17th in the Third Division.

Colchester made a first round exit in the EFL Cup for the seventh consecutive season, narrowly losing out to Aston Villa, while in the FA Cup, they were eliminated by non-League outfit Oxford City in the first round. In the EFL Trophy, Colchester were knocked out at the group stage for the second season running.

Season overview edit

Preseason edit

Colchester United announced their retainer list on 10 May 2017. Left back Matthew Briggs and fellow defender Lloyd Doyley were both released after the club decided against offering them a new contract, while under-23 players Femi Akinwande, Callum Harrison, Brendan Ocran, Dexter Peter, Rhys Williams and Ben Wyatt were also not offered new deals.[5][6] Meanwhile, goalkeeper Dean Brill, defenders Richard Brindley, Tom Eastman, George Elokobi, Lewis Kinsella and Kane Vincent-Young, midfielder Charley Edge, and forwards Diaz Wright, Drey Wright and Chris Porter were all offered new deals.[7]

Two Academy players signed one year development contracts on 25 May. Central defender Josh Pollard and forward Eoin McKeown signed their first professional deals ahead of stepping up to the under-23 squad.[8]

Last season's top goalscorer Chris Porter opted to leave the club on the expiry of his contract, instead signing a two-year deal at League Two rivals Crewe Alexandra on 31 May after turning down a new contract offer.[9]

Tom Eastman became the first Colchester United out of contract first-team player to sign a new deal on 28 June, agreeing to a two-year extension.[10] The following day, Drey Wright,[11] Lewis Kinsella,[12] and Kane Vincent-Young all agreed to one-year extensions to their existing contracts.[13]

With Richard Brindley turning down Colchester's contract offer, the U's announced the signing of former Gillingham right-back Ryan Jackson on 30 June, with his contract set to begin on 1 July.[14] George Elokobi also left Colchester after failing to agree on a new contract with the club.[15] Goalkeeper Dean Brill opted not to sign a new contract after failing to break into the first team.[16]

On 3 July, the club announced that Charley Edge, Decarrey Sheriff and Diaz Wright had all agreed to new one-year contracts.[17]

A restructuring of the backroom coaching staff meant Ademola Bankole left after nine years as the club's goalkeeping coach, while former Watford goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin arrived as his replacement and to provide competition to Sam Walker and Dillon Barnes.[18] Paul Smith arrived from Southend United as Head of Academy Goalkeeper Coaching,[19] while former Wales midfielder Chris Llewellyn joined Colchester as under-18 lead coach.[20]

Colchester played their first pre-season friendly on 8 July 2017. In their annual friendly match against Maldon & Tiptree, the U's earned a 2–0 victory with a goal from Doug Loft in the first half, and Louis Dunne in the second half.[21] On 11 July, Colchester played their second pre-season match against Needham Market. Goals from Denny Johnstone, Tariq Issa and two from Sammie Szmodics sealed a 4–0 victory for the visitors.[22]

Midfielder Tarryn Allarakhia signed a one-year development contract on 12 July, joining from Maldon & Tiptree.[23]

On 14 July, Academy product Macauley Bonne left the club to join National League side Leyton Orient, signing for an undisclosed fee alongside former U's player George Elokobi.[24] Colchester won their third successive friendly the same day, beating Llandudno 1–0 in north Wales courtesy of a Denny Johnstone goal.[25]

Cole Kpekawa joined Colchester for a second spell on 17 July, signing a one-year deal from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee having featured on loan from Queens Park Rangers during the 2014–15 season.[26] Meanwhile, injury-stricken Brennan Dickenson revealed that the serious knee injury he sustained in training in April 2017 would keep him out of first-team action until February 2018.[27]

On 18 July, Colchester recorded their fourth consecutive pre-season victory with a 2–0 win against a West Ham United XI at the Colchester Community Stadium. Drey Wright and Denny Johnstone were the goalscorers.[28]

Colchester signed Wigan Athletic forward Mikael Mandron on 21 July. He signed for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.[29] On 22 July, the U's claimed their fifth pre-season win with a 3–0 victory against Braintree Town. Sammie Szmodics scored twice and Louis Dunne added a third late on to secure the win.[30]

On 24 July, United were hit by the news that club captain Luke Prosser would be ruled out of action for a further two months after undergoing a further operation on his injured knee.[31]

Colchester suffered their first pre-season defeat on 25 July when they slipped to a 1–0 defeat to Ipswich Town at the Community Stadium.[32] Another defeat followed against Gillingham on 28 July, falling to a 2–1 defeat. Colchester's goal was scored by Ryan Jackson against his former club.[33] Colchester also confirmed the signing of defender Dan Jefferies from Swansea City who joined the under-23 side on 28 July,[34] and midfielder Sam Warde joined the under-23s from Huddersfield Town on 31 July.[35]

On 1 August, Colchester made two further under-23 additions, with the signing of Australian goalkeeper Dominic Kurasik from Brentford and former-Crystal Palace left-back Callum Sturgess on one-year contracts.[36]

On the eve of the new league season, Alex Wynter had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and then immediately signed for National League side Maidstone United.[37]

August edit

Colchester's League Two campaign began at Accrington Stanley on 5 August. Ryan Jackson and Mikael Mandron made the starting eleven for their debuts, while Cole Kpekawa made his second debut for the club from the substitutes bench. Accrington took a ninth-minute lead through Kayden Jackson, and went 2–0 up through Billy Kee's 32nd-minute strike. The U's found themselves 3–0 down after the break when Omar Beckles scored, but pulled a late goal back from half-time substitute Sammie Szmodics.[38]

On 7 August, Colchester signed Coventry City winger Kyel Reid on loan until January.[39] Dillon Barnes joined National League South side Welling United for one month on 8 August.[40]

Colchester hosted Championship side Aston Villa in the first round of the EFL Cup on 9 August. A mistake from goalkeeper Sam Walker allowed Scott Hogan to slot in an early opening goal for the visitors. Mikael Mandron missed a chance to equalise from the penalty spot when his effort was saved by Jed Steer, before an unfortunate Frankie Kent scored an own goal to double Villa's lead on 19 minutes. Kent redeemed himself six minutes before the interval to reduce Colchester's deficit at 2–1. However, the score remained the same through the second half as Colchester exited the competition at the first round stage for the seventh consecutive season.[2]

The U's earned their first league point of the season on 12 August when they drew 1–1 with Stevenage at the Community Stadium. Stevenage took a second-half lead through Danny Newton, but Mikael Mandron equalised 15-minutes later to score his first competitive goal for the club.[41]

On 15 August, Colchester offered new contracts to Brennan Dickenson, Kurtis Guthrie, Frankie Kent, Tom Lapslie and Drey Wright,[42] while winger Dion Sembie-Ferris was released by mutual consent in search of first-team football.[43] On 18 August, it was announced that goalkeeper Daniel Wilks had joined the under-23 squad on loan from Maldon & Tiptree until January 2018,[44] while centre-back Josh Pollard, right-back George Keys, and left winger Ryan Clampin all joined Maldon & Tiptree on youth and work experience loans.[45] Also joining the club was defender Will Wright who joined on a two-year contract from Hitchin Town.[44]

The U's were defeated 3–0 at Luton Town on 19 August. A first-half injury time goal put the hosts ahead and Luton added a further two in the second half to leave Colchester in the relegation zone.[46]

Denny Johnstone made a season-long loan move to St Johnstone on 24 August,[47] while Louis Dunne also temporarily left the club on loan, joining National League South side Concord Rangers for one month.[48]

Colchester earned their first win of the season on 26 August in their first-ever meeting with Forest Green Rovers. Kyel Reid scored his first U's goal after only four minutes of play, before Frankie Kent scored the second goal of the game and his second of the season. Forest Green scored two minutes later to make it 2–1. Sammie Szmodics scored 20-minutes into the second half, before Kane Vincent-Young became the second player of the day to score his first Colchester goal. Three minutes into injury time, Courtney Senior, making his first-team debut from the bench, scored to finalise a 5–1 win.[49]

In the first group stage match of the EFL Trophy, Colchester hosted Reading U23 at the Community Stadium. Sammie Szmodics continued his goalscoring form inside five minutes, but Reading equalised through Josh Barrett before taking the lead through Ben House prior to half-time. Second-half substitute Eoin McKeown, making his first-team debut, equalised in the 87th minute to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out. The U's won 6–5, earning a bonus point for the win on penalties.[3]

With the transfer window closing at 11pm on 31 August, Colchester made numerous deadline day signings, both on loan and permanent. First, Queens Park Rangers midfielder Brandon Comley signed on loan until January 2018.[50] Young Charlton Athletic striker Brandon Hanlan also joined on loan until January,[51] while free agent Sanmi Odelusi signed a permanent six-month contract after the forward had been training with the U's over the summer since his release by Wigan Athletic.[52] Another striker followed suit in signing, with Portsmouth's Nicke Kabamba arriving on loan until January,[53] while Crystal Palace centre-half Ryan Inniss signed on loan until the end of the season.[54]

September edit

Colchester started September with a defeat at Cambridge United. Naming an unchanged starting eleven from the side that beat Forest Green 5–1 the previous weekend, the U's fell to a 1–0 defeat on 2 September thanks to a second-half goal from Uche Ikpeazu.[55]

Eli Phipps joined Dillon Barnes on loan at Welling United on 8 September, while Barnes' loan was extended until 8 November.[56] Also heading out on loan was Charley Edge, who signed on a one-month deal at National League North side Leamington.[57]

Colchester returned to winning ways with an impressive first-half performance against Crawley Town in a 3–1 win. Sammie Szmodics scored his fourth goal of the season before assisting Ryan Jackson's first goal for the club after 14-minutes. Mikael Mandron completed the home side's scoring after 38-minutes. In the second-half, Sam Walker saved a Mark Randall penalty, but Crawley did pull a goal back from Jimmy Smith on 66-minutes.[58] They were then held to a 1–1 draw against Chesterfield on 12 September. Louis Reed scored for the visitors shortly before half-time but debutant Brandon Hanlan scored from the substitutes bench after 82-minutes.[59]

Colchester's terrible away form continued on 16 September with a 3–1 defeat at Cheltenham Town. Within 15-minutes, the U's found themselves 2–0 down with both goals coming from Cheltenham's Kevin Dawson. Colchester were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute after Taylor Moore handled in the penalty area and Sammie Szmodics converted to score his fifth goal of the campaign. In the second-half, Mikael Mandron was sent off for a hand ball offence in the penalty area, but Brian Graham's penalty was saved by Sam Walker. Shortly afterwards, Jamie Grimes scored to complete the victory for Cheltenham and condemn Colchester to their fourth successive away defeat.[60]

On 16 September, winger George Brown made his debut for East Thurrock United in an FA Cup win against Biggleswade Town after joining the club on loan earlier.[61] Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Dominic Kurasik also left the club on loan to join Maldon & Tiptree, signing on 19 September.[62]

On 21 September, Frankie Kent signed a new contract with the club to remain until summer 2020.[63]

Colchester's next game was against old rivals Wycombe Wanderers at the Community Stadium. Despite having the better of the possession, the U's went down 1–0 after 32-minutes from a Nathan Tyson goal, but Brandon Hanlan equalised shortly before half-time to score his second goal in only his third Colchester appearance. Craig Mackail-Smith scored Wycombe's winner in the 67th minute as the visitors held on for a 2–1 victory.[64]

The U's travelled to Grimsby Town on 26 September for a midweek league fixture. A frantic start saw Kyel Reid score the opener, before JJ Hooper equalised two minutes later. In the second-half, Reid scored his second of the game, but an 89th-minute penalty from Sam Jones shared the spoils.[65]

On 30 September, Colchester recorded a 1–0 away win at Yeovil Town, their first away victory of the season. Sean Murray's first goal for the club proved to be the difference between the sides as the U's moved up to 16th in the League Two table.[66]

October edit

October began with a narrow 1–0 defeat in the EFL Trophy at home to Gillingham on 3 October. An injury-time winner from Max Ehmer was enough to separate the two sides.[67]

Colchester earned their first successive league win of the season on 7 October by beating Mansfield Town 2–0 at the Community Stadium. Sean Murray followed up his debut goal for the club with another the following weekend after 29-minutes, before Mikael Mandron doubled the U's lead five minutes later.[68]

The U's hosted Carlisle United on 14 October, losing 1–0 in a close affair in which Colchester mostly dominated.[69]

On 16 October, Diaz Wright joined Needham Market on loan until the end of November,[70] while Colchester were drawn at home to Oxford City in the first round of the FA Cup which would be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.[71]

They returned to winning ways three days later with an away victory at Newport County ending the home sides' ten game unbeaten home record which stretched back to March. Following a goalless first-half, former County defender Ryan Jackson scored his second goal of the season after 72-minutes, before Mikael Mandron added a second five minutes later. Shawn McCoulsky pulled a goal back for Newport on 86-minutes but the U's held on to record a 2–1 win.[72] A 0–0 draw at Coventry City followed, a match in which Tom Lapslie was sent off following two bookings in less than a minute after a yellow card for a foul and then a red card for a deliberate hand ball.[73]

Colchester closed out October to come from behind and win at home to Crewe Alexandra on 28 October. Jordan Bowery gave Crewe a 22nd-minute lead, but this was cancelled out by Mikael Mandron's fifth goal of the season six minutes before half-time. The U's took the lead on the hour mark when Tom Eastman headed in his first goal of the campaign, before Mandron scored his second of the game on 71-minutes to round off a 3–1 victory.[74]

As a result of collecting ten points in five league games through October, John McGreal was nominated for the October EFL League Two Manager of the Month award.[75] Meanwhile, Mikael Mandron, who scored four goals in five league games during October was nominated for the EFL League Two Player of the Month award.[76]

November edit

Colchester were knocked out of the FA Cup in the first round by Oxford City on 4 November. The U's fell to a 1–0 defeat at the Community Stadium.[77] This was followed up by an EFL Trophy Essex derby defeat to Southend United, who won 2–0 to knock Colchester out of the competition at the group stage for the second successive season.[78]

Returning to league competition on 11 November, Sammie Szmodics scored his sixth goal of the season from the bench to earn Colchester a 1–0 win at Barnet.[79] They were then held to a 0–0 draw at home against Morecambe on 18 November to extend their unbeaten run to five league games.[80] Their good run continued on 21 November when Sammie Szmodics again proved the difference with an early goal in Colchester's 1–0 home win against Lincoln City.[81]

During their away game at Notts County on 25 November, following a goalless first-half, County took the lead when Shola Ameobi scored from the penalty spot after Mikael Mandron fouled Ryan Yates in the area. Mandron later missed a penalty kick of his own after Ryan Jackson was fouled by Jorge Grant. However, Colchester looked to have secured a point when substitute Sanmi Odelusi scored his first goal for the club and levelled the match in the 89th minute. Ryan Yates then scored in the third minute of injury time to hand the home team a 2–1 victory.[82]

December edit

Following a two-week break due to their early FA Cup exit, Colchester returned to action in a home match against Exeter City on 9 December. The U's were gifted the lead when Troy Archibald-Henville scored an own goal after 23-minutes. Then, three minutes later, Sammie Szmodics scored from the penalty spot after Kane Vincent-Young was brought down in the box by Jake Taylor. Colchester then scored a third goal in seven minutes as Szmodics netted his ninth of the season. Exeter pulled a goal back in the second half through Jayden Stockley as Colchester held on to a 3–1 victory.[83]

Forward Nicke Kabamba made an early return to parent club Portsmouth on 14 December after failing to score in ten appearances for the U's.[84]

On 15 December, Colchester won a five-goal thriller at Swindon Town to promote themselves into the play-off positions. They fell behind on 36-minutes from a Kaiyne Woolery goal before Frankie Kent scored an equaliser from a corner kick in first half injury time. Mikael Mandron then put the U's ahead on 63-minutes, but then Swindon equalised through Kellan Gordon. Two minutes later, Colchester had the lead again as Sammie Szmodics beat a man to record his tenth goal of the campaign.[85]

On 21 December, forward Sanmi Odelusi was told that his contract would not be renewed when it expired on 31 December.[86]

Sammie Szmodics scored his tenth league goal of the season in Colchester's 1–1 home draw with Port Vale on 23 December. He opened the scoring after 32-minutes, but Vale equalised in the second half through Marcus Harness.[87] They then secured a 2–0 win at Crawley Town on Boxing Day. A goal in either half from Mikael Mandron and Sammie Szmodics secured victory which moved the U's up to fifth position in the league table.[88]

In the final game of 2017, Chesterfield held the U's to a 0–0 draw at the Proact Stadium.[89]

Following an unbeaten December including three wins and two draws, Sammie Szmodics was nominated for League Two Player of the Month, becoming the second Colchester player of the season to receive the nomination, while John McGreal was nominated for the League Two Manager of the Month award for a second time this campaign.[90] On 12 January, it was revealed Szmodics was named as Player of the Month for League Two.[91]

January edit

Colchester recorded their second consecutive goalless draw at home to Cambridge United on New Year's Day to remain 8th in League Two.[92]

On 3 January, Craig Slater moved to Scottish Championship side Dundee United on loan until the end of the season.[93] The U's bolstered their forward line with two signings from Maldon & Tiptree. Incoming were Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, who had scored 34 goals in 34 games this season and was the top scorer in the Isthmian League, and also left-sided player Ryan Gondoh.[94] The following day, Lewis Kinsella and Tommy O'Sullivan both left the club in loan deals. Kinsella joined National League side Aldershot Town initially until early February,[95] while O'Sullivan signed for fellow National League side Torquay United until the end of the campaign.[96]

Colchester suffered their joint-worst defeat of the season so far on 6 January as they crashed to a 4–1 home defeat by Cheltenham Town. Kurtis Guthrie started his first league game of the season and scored on 40 minutes to hand the U's a 1–0 advantage going in to the interval. However, Kyel Reid was sent off for violent conduct just a minute before half-time. Cheltenham got back into the game through Sanmi Odelusi registering a debut goal and his first since his switch from Colchester. The floodgates then opened as Nigel Atangana, Jerell Sellars and Mohamed Eisa each scored to give the away side all three points.[97]

On 8 January, young centre forward Eoin McKeown rejoined Maldon & Tiptree on loan until the end of the season.[98]

The U's recorded their second successive defeat for the first time since September as they fell to a 3–1 defeat at Wycombe on 13 January. Adebayo Akinfenwa scored the host's opener after 14-minutes and then their lead was doubled by Paris Cowan-Hall on 24-minutes. With 15-minutes remaining, Wycombe scored a third through Luke O'Nien, before Sammie Szmodics pulled a goal back for Colchester four minutes later. The game did however see the first appearance of the season for club captain Luke Prosser.[99]

On 17 January, Brandon Comley joined Colchester permanently, signing for an undisclosed fee.[100] He joined on a 2+12-year contract.[101]

Colchester were held to a 1–1 draw at home against Grimsby on 20 January. The visitors took the lead through Charles Vernam on 38-minutes, but Sean Murray's equaliser shortly after the break earned a point for the U's.[102]

The U's made a defensive signing on 24 January by bringing in Millwall youngster Paul Rooney on a 1+12-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[103] Leaving the club on loan for a second spell in the National League South was goalkeeper Dillon Barnes, who joined Hemel Hempstead Town for an initial month-long loan on 26 January.[104]

On 27 January, Colchester conceded a late goal to draw at Port Vale. Courtney Senior scored on his first start for the club to give the U's the lead after 12-minutes, only for David Worrall to equalise on 33-minutes. Four minutes in to first-half injury time, Drey Wright scored his first goal of the season to again hand the lead to Colchester. However, Worrall scored again in the 87th minute to rescue a point for the home side and leave the U's without a win in six games.[105]

Transfer deadline day fell on 31 January and the club's first business of the day was the signing of Queens Park Rangers winger Olamide Shodipo on loan until the end of the season. They also signed Doncaster Rovers forward Liam Mandeville on loan until the end of the season, while Lewis Kinsella, who was on loan at Aldershot Town, had his contract cancelled by mutual consent. He then signed a permanent deal with Aldershot.[106] Also on the way out was under-23s defender Dan Jefferies who joined Scottish Premiership side Dundee.[107] Aaron Barnes arrived on a permanent basis from Charlton Athletic, while Ben Stevenson signed on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers after joining the Championship side from Coventry City earlier in the day.[108]

February edit

After signing for Colchester on 31 January, Aaron Barnes rejoined Torquay United on loan until the end of the season on 1 February, having previously been on loan there from Charlton earlier in January.[109] On 2 February, Cameron James headed out on loan for the remainder of the season to National League South side and his hometown club Chelmsford City.[110]

On 3 February, Colchester recorded their first win of 2018. Following a goalless first-half with Newport County, substitute and debutant Ben Stevenson scored ten minutes after arriving on the pitch, before Tom Eastman doubled the U's lead after a goal mouth scramble. The two sides swapped places in the League Two table on the back of the result.[111] They followed this up with a 1–1 draw at Carlisle, Courtney Senior scoring the goal for the U's on 10 February.[112] The U's then won 2–1 at home against Coventry City. Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe scored on his first start for the club from the penalty spot on 27-minutes, but on 56-minutes, Tom Bayliss scored an equaliser for the visitors. Two minutes from time, Mikael Mandron converted an Ogedi-Uzokwe cross to seal the win for the U's.[113] Colchester's patchy form then continued with a 1–0 defeat at Crewe on 17 February,[114] and then a further 1–0 defeat against Barnet at home on 24 February.[115]

March edit

Diaz Wright signed for Braintree Town on loan on 9 March.[116]

Automatic promotion hopefuls Mansfield Town hosted the U's on 10 March. They took the lead through Kane Hemmings after 22-minutes, but after the break Colchester levelled through Brandon Comley, his first-ever professional goal. The U's held on to earn a point but slipped into the bottom-half of the table.[117]

On 16 March, Charley Edge joined Needham Market on loan until the end of the season.[118]

Colchester missed an opportunity to take an early lead against Yeovil on 17 March after Sammie Szmodics had an eighth-minute penalty kick saved by Stuart Nelson. The visitors then took the lead in the 21st minute from an Alex Fisher goal. Yeovil held on to record a 1–0 victory and leave Colchester nine points adrift of the play-off positions.[119] They were then held to a 0–0 draw at Morecambe on 20 March.[120]

The U's earned their first win in five and their first away victory in 2018 on 24 March as they defeated Stevenage 1–0 at Broadhall Way. Mikael Mandron's first-half goal proved to be the difference between the sides.[121]

On 29 March, Kurtis Guthrie had his contract with the club cancelled by mutual consent, with his final appearance arriving in the 1–0 defeat by Yeovil on 17 March when he had an on-field confrontation with Sammie Szmodics over taking Colchester's penalty kick.[122]

Colchester earned their first back-to-back victories since December with a 2–1 win over promotion-chasing Luton Town at the Community Stadium in their Good Friday fixture. The tie was marred by the serious injury to Hatters' midfielder Luke Berry in only the second minute of the game when his leg was accidentally caught by U's midfielder Tom Lapslie in a challenge. Both sets of players were taken off the pitch while Berry received eleven minutes of treatment on the field before being taken to hospital. When play resumed, Tom Eastman scored the opening goal after 15-minutes of play, before Luke Prosser doubled the advantage for the home side with his first goal for the club. Late in the second-half, Ryan Jackson fouled Luke Gambin in the penalty area which was converted by Danny Hylton but Colchester held on for victory.[123]

April edit

For the first time this season, and the first time since December 2016, Colchester earned a third consecutive league victory in their first-ever visit to The New Lawn stadium when they faced Forest Green Rovers. Drey Wright scored within 19-seconds to give the visitors an early advantage, but the U's were pegged back when Tom Eastman fouled Haydn Hollis in the box and Reuben Reid converted. Early in the second-half, Colchester's lead was restored when Ben Stevenson scored 90-seconds after the interval. Again, Colchester held on to their single goal advantage to take victory.[124] However, Colchester's run was halted by league-leaders Accrington Stanley on 7 April who claimed a 1–0 win at the Community Stadium.[125]

On 13 April, after failing to make an appearance since January, Cole Kpekawa left the club by mutual consent.[126]

Colchester fell to their second successive home defeat on 14 April when Notts County earned a 3–1 win at the Community Stadium. Drey Wright had opened the scoring within the first ten minutes of play, but a revival in the second half by County through Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy saw the away side claim victory.[127]

On 18 April, having broken into the first-team, Courtney Senior signed a new two-year contract with the club.[128] He then stepped off the bench in his next game against Lincoln City to score the equaliser for Colchester after they had fallen behind five minutes earlier to an Elliott Whitehouse penalty. In the 83rd minute of the game, with the scores at 1–1, Michael Bostwick was sent off for the home side, but the U's couldn't capitalise on their man advantage, and went on to lose 2–1 when substitute Luke Waterfall headed in the winner in the fourth minute of added time. The result ended Colchester's faint play-off hopes as they ended the day ten points behind seventh-placed Coventry with just two games remaining.[129]

Goalkeeper Dillon Barnes was handed his first league start for Colchester on 28 April in their final home game of the season against Swindon Town, and he kept a clean sheet as the match finished 0–0. Ryan Gondoh was also introduced as a second-half substitute to make his debut for the club.[130]

The U's completed their season with a whimper on 5 May as they were beaten 1–0 at Exeter City on 5 May, meaning they finished 13th in the league table, their worst league performance for 24 years.[131]

Players edit

As of 5 May 2018[132][133][134]
No. Name Position Nat. Place of birth Date of birth Apps Goals Signed from Date signed Fee
Goalkeepers
1 Sam Walker GK   Gravesend (1991-10-02)2 October 1991 (aged 25) 166 0   Chelsea 20 January 2014 Free transfer
25 Dillon Barnes GK   Enfield Town (1996-04-08)8 April 1996 (aged 21) 2 0   Bedford Town 1 September 2015 Free transfer
29 Rene Gilmartin GK   Dublin (1987-05-31)31 May 1987 (aged 30) 0 0   Watford 7 July 2017 Free transfer
Defenders
2 Ryan Jackson RB   Streatham (1990-07-31)31 July 1990 (aged 26) 0 0   Gillingham 1 July 2017 Free transfer
5 Luke Prosser (c) CB   Enfield (1988-05-28)28 May 1988 (aged 29) 17 0   Southend United 22 June 2015 Free transfer
6 Frankie Kent CB   Havering (1995-11-21)21 November 1995 (aged 21) 56 0 Academy 1 August 2013 Free transfer
11 Brennan Dickenson LWB/LW/FW   Ferndown (1993-02-26)26 February 1993 (aged 24) 39 12   Gillingham 29 June 2016 Free transfer
18 Tom Eastman CB   Colchester (1991-10-21)21 October 1991 (aged 25) 235 11   Ipswich Town 19 May 2011 Free transfer
22 Kane Vincent-Young LB/RB   Camden (1996-03-15)15 March 1996 (aged 21) 39 0 Academy 23 September 2014 Free transfer
35 Cameron James CB/FB/DM   Chelmsford (1998-02-11)11 February 1998 (aged 19) 16 0 Academy 15 July 2015 Free transfer
40 JJ Wilson LB   Westminster 0 0 Academy 30 June 2016 Free transfer
43 Josh Pollard CB   Colchester 0 0 Academy 25 May 2017 Free transfer
46 Paul Rooney DF   Dublin (1997-03-22)22 March 1997 (aged 20) 0 0   Millwall 24 January 2018 Undisclosed
48 Will Wright CB/RB   (1997-06-12)12 June 1997 (aged 19) 0 0   Hitchin Town 18 August 2017 Undisclosed
Aaron Barnes FB   Croydon (1996-10-14)14 October 1996 (aged 20) 0 0   Charlton Athletic 31 January 2018 Undisclosed
Midfielders
4 Tom Lapslie CM   Waltham Forest (1995-10-05)5 October 1995 (aged 21) 64 3 Academy 25 April 2013 Free transfer
8 Doug Loft MF   Maidstone (1986-12-25)25 December 1986 (aged 30) 9 0   Gillingham 1 July 2016 Free transfer
10 Sammie Szmodics AM   Colchester (1995-09-24)24 September 1995 (aged 21) 74 10 Academy 1 July 2013 Free transfer
14 Brandon Comley MF     Islington (1995-11-18)18 November 1995 (aged 21) 0 0   QPR 17 January 2018 Undisclosed
16 Sean Murray AM     Abbots Langley (1993-10-11)11 October 1993 (aged 23) 16 0   Swindon Town 31 January 2017 Free transfer
23 Tommy O'Sullivan CM   Mountain Ash (1995-01-18)18 January 1995 (aged 22) 3 0   Cardiff City 20 January 2017 Undisclosed
24 Craig Slater CM   Glasgow (1994-04-26)26 April 1994 (aged 23) 32 3   Kilmarnock 7 July 2016 Undisclosed
32 Diaz Wright MF   Greenwich (1998-02-22)22 February 1998 (aged 19) 1 0 Academy 30 June 2016 Free transfer
33 Louis Dunne MF     Colchester (1998-09-07)7 September 1998 (aged 18) 5 0 Academy 1 July 2015 Free transfer
Arjanit Krasniqi MF   Westminster 1999 0 0   Waltham Forest 31 January 2018 Undisclosed
Sam Warde MF   Limerick 0 0   Huddersfield Town 20 July 2017 Free transfer
Forwards
7 Drey Wright WG   Greenwich (1995-04-30)30 April 1995 (aged 22) 101 6 Academy 10 May 2012 Free transfer
9 Denny Johnstone CF   Dumfries (1995-01-09)9 January 1995 (aged 22) 32 2   Birmingham City 28 June 2016 Undisclosed
19 Mikael Mandron CF   Boulogne-sur-Mer (1994-10-11)11 October 1994 (aged 22) 0 0   Wigan Athletic 21 July 2017 Undisclosed
20 Courtney Senior WG   Croydon (1997-06-30)30 June 1997 (aged 19) 0 0   Brentford 28 June 2016 Free transfer
27 Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe FW   (1994-03-20)20 March 1994 (aged 23) 0 0   Maldon & Tiptree 3 January 2018 Undisclosed
31 Tariq Issa FW   (1997-09-02)2 September 1997 (aged 19) 1 0 Academy 15 July 2015 Free transfer
34 Decarrey Sheriff FW   Southwark (1998-02-18)18 February 1998 (aged 19) 0 0 Academy 30 June 2016 Free transfer
36 Ryan Gondoh LW   Sutton (1997-06-06)6 June 1997 (aged 19) 0 0   Maldon & Tiptree 3 January 2018 Undisclosed
37 George Brown WG   Romford (1998-03-03)3 March 1998 (aged 19) 0 0 Academy 30 June 2016 Free transfer
38 Eli Phipps FW   Merthyr Tydfil (1997-07-29)29 July 1997 (aged 19) 0 0   Cardiff City 18 January 2017 Undisclosed
39 Charley Edge WG   Aberystwyth (1997-05-14)14 May 1997 (aged 20) 1 0 Academy 6 May 2016 Free transfer
41 Tarryn Allarakhia WG   Redbridge (1997-10-17)17 October 1997 (aged 19) 0 0   Maldon & Tiptree 12 July 2017 Free transfer
42 Eoin McKeown CF   Westminster (1998-11-05)5 November 1998 (aged 18) 0 0 Academy 25 May 2017 Free transfer
44 Ryan Clampin LW   Colchester (1999-01-29)29 January 1999 (aged 18) 0 0 Academy Free transfer
45 Ollie Sims WG   Bury St Edmunds (2001-03-29)29 March 2001 (aged 16) 0 0 Academy Free transfer

Transfers and contracts edit

In edit

Date Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
25 May 2017 CB   Josh Pollard Academy Free transfer [8]
25 May 2017 CF   Eoin McKeown Academy Free transfer [8]
1 July 2017 RB   Ryan Jackson   Gillingham Free transfer [14]
7 July 2017 GK   Rene Gilmartin   Watford Free transfer [18]
12 July 2017 MF   Tarryn Allarakhia   Maldon & Tiptree Free transfer [23]
17 July 2017 LB   Cole Kpekawa   Barnsley Undisclosed [26]
21 July 2017 CF   Mikael Mandron   Wigan Athletic Undisclosed [29]
28 July 2017 CB   Dan Jefferies   Swansea City Free transfer [34]
31 July 2017 MF   Sam Warde   Huddersfield Town Free transfer [35]
1 August 2017 GK   Dominic Kurasik   Brentford Free transfer [36]
1 August 2017 LB   Callum Sturgess   Crystal Palace Free transfer [36]
18 August 2017 CB/RB   Will Wright   Hitchin Town Free transfer [44]
31 August 2017 FW   Sanmi Odelusi   Wigan Athletic Free transfer [52]
3 January 2018 LW   Ryan Gondoh   Maldon & Tiptree Undisclosed [94]
3 January 2018 FW   Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe   Maldon & Tiptree Undisclosed [94]
17 January 2018 MF   Brandon Comley   Queens Park Rangers Undisclosed [100][101]
24 January 2018 DF   Paul Rooney   Millwall Undisclosed [103]
31 January 2018 FB   Aaron Barnes   Charlton Athletic Undisclosed [108]
31 January 2018 MF   Arjanit Krasniqi   Waltham Forest Undisclosed [135]

Out edit

Date Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
10 May 2017 GK   Rhys Williams   Connah's Quay Nomads[a] Released [5]
10 May 2017 LB   Matthew Briggs   Chesterfield[b] Released [5]
10 May 2017 FB   Lloyd Doyley   Hemel Hempstead Town[c] Released [5]
10 May 2017 FB   Brendan Ocran   Billericay Town[d] Released [5]
10 May 2017 CB   Dexter Peter   Concord Rangers[e] Released [5]
10 May 2017 LB   Ben Wyatt   Braintree Town[f] Released [5]
10 May 2017 MF   Callum Harrison   Needham Market[g] Released [6]
10 May 2017 ST   Femi Akinwande   East Thurrock United[h] Released [5]
31 May 2017 CF   Chris Porter   Crewe Alexandra Free transfer [9]
30 June 2017 GK   Dean Brill   Leyton Orient[i] Free transfer [16]
30 June 2017 RB   Richard Brindley   Barnet[j] Free transfer [14]
30 June 2017 CB   George Elokobi   Leyton Orient[k] Free transfer [15]
14 July 2017 CF   Macauley Bonne   Leyton Orient Undisclosed [24]
4 August 2017 CB/FB   Alex Wynter   Maidstone United Released [37]
15 August 2017 WG   Dion Sembie-Ferris   St Neots Town[l] Released [43]
31 December 2017 FW   Sanmi Odelusi   Cheltenham Town[m] Released [86]
31 January 2018 LB   Lewis Kinsella   Aldershot Town Released [106]
31 January 2018 CB   Dan Jefferies   Dundee Undisclosed [107]
29 March 2018 CF   Kurtis Guthrie   Stevenage[n] Released [122]
13 April 2018 LB   Cole Kpekawa   St Mirren[o] Released [126]
  1. ^ Following Rhys Williams' release by Colchester United, he later joined Connah's Quay Nomads.[136]
  2. ^ Following Matthew Briggs' release by Colchester United, he later joined Chesterfield.[137]
  3. ^ Following Lloyd Doyley's release by Colchester United, he later joined Hemel Hempstead Town.[138]
  4. ^ Following Brendan Ocran's release by Colchester United, he later joined Billericay Town.[139]
  5. ^ Following Dexter Peter's release by Colchester United, he later joined Concord Rangers.[140]
  6. ^ Following Ben Wyatt's release by Colchester United, he later joined Braintree Town.[141]
  7. ^ Following Callum Harrison's release by Colchester United, he later joined Needham Market.[142]
  8. ^ Following Femi Akinwande's release by Colchester United, he later joined East Thurrock United.[143]
  9. ^ Following Dean Brill's release by Colchester United, he later joined Leyton Orient.[144]
  10. ^ Following Richard Brindley's release by Colchester United, he later joined Barnet.[145]
  11. ^ Following George Elokobi's release by Colchester United, he later joined Leyton Orient.[24]
  12. ^ Following Dion Sembie-Ferris' release by Colchester United, he later joined St Neots Town.[146]
  13. ^ Following Sanmi Odelusi's release by Colchester United, he later joined Cheltenham Town.[147]
  14. ^ Following Kurtis Guthrie's release by Colchester United, he later joined Stevenage.[148]
  15. ^ Following Cole Kpekawa's release by Colchester United, he later joined St Mirren.[149]

Loans in edit

Date Position Nationality Name From End date Ref.
7 August 2017 WG   Kyel Reid   Coventry City 11 January 2018 [39][150]
18 August 2017 GK   Daniel Wilks   Maldon & Tiptree January 2018 [44]
31 August 2017 MF   Brandon Comley   Queens Park Rangers 17 January 2018 [50][100][101]
31 August 2017 FW   Brandon Hanlan   Charlton Athletic 18 January 2018 [51][151]
31 August 2017 FW   Nicke Kabamba   Portsmouth 14 December 2017 [53][84]
31 August 2017 CB   Ryan Inniss   Crystal Palace End of season [54]
31 January 2018 WG   Olamide Shodipo   Queens Park Rangers End of season [106]
31 January 2018 FW   Liam Mandeville   Doncaster Rovers End of season [106]
31 January 2018 MF   Ben Stevenson   Wolverhampton Wanderers End of season [108]

Loans out edit

Date Position Nationality Name To End date Ref.
8 August 2017 GK   Dillon Barnes   Welling United 11 November 2017 [40][a]
18 August 2017 RB   George Keys   Maldon & Tiptree November 2017 [45]
18 August 2017 CB   Josh Pollard   Maldon & Tiptree January 2018 [45]
18 August 2017 LW   Ryan Clampin   Maldon & Tiptree End of season [45]
24 August 2017 CF   Denny Johnstone   St Johnstone End of season [47]
25 August 2017 MF   Louis Dunne   Concord Rangers September 2017 [48]
8 September 2017 FW   Eli Phipps   Welling United December 2017 [56][b]
9 September 2017 WG   Charley Edge   Leamington October 2017 [57]
16 September 2017 WG   George Brown   East Thurrock United 13 October 2017 [61][153]
19 September 2017 GK   Dominic Kurasik   Maldon & Tiptree 1 January 2018 [62]
1 October 2017 DF   Ollie Kensdale   Maldon & Tiptree October 2017 [154]
16 October 2017 MF   Diaz Wright   Needham Market November 2017 [70]
24 November 2017 AM   Dean Ager   Bishop's Stortford February 2018 [98][155]
3 January 2018 CM   Craig Slater   Dundee United End of season [93]
4 January 2018 LB   Lewis Kinsella   Aldershot Town February 2018 [95]
4 January 2018 CM   Tommy O'Sullivan   Torquay United End of season [96]
6 January 2018 RB   George Keys   Brightlingsea Regent March 2018 [156][c]
8 January 2018 CF   Eoin McKeown   Maldon & Tiptree End of season [98]
19 January 2018 DF   Callum Sturgess   Needham Market End of season [158]
22 January 2018 WG   George Brown   Maldon & Tiptree February 2018 [159]
26 January 2018 GK   Dillon Barnes   Hemel Hempstead Town February 2018 [104]
1 February 2018 FB   Aaron Barnes   Torquay United End of season [109]
2 February 2018 CB/FB/DM   Cameron James   Chelmsford City End of season [110]
24 February 2018 CB   Josh Pollard   Harlow Town End of season [160]
24 February 2018 WG   Ollie Sims   Brightlingsea Regent March 2018 [161]
9 March 2018 MF   Diaz Wright   Braintree Town April 2018 [116]
16 March 2018 WG   Charley Edge   Needham Market End of season [118]
  1. ^ On 8 September 2017, Dillon Barnes' loan was extended until 11 November 2017[56]
  2. ^ On 11 October 2017, Eli Phipps' loan was extended until 4 November 2017[152]
  3. ^ On 7 February 2018, George Keys' loan was extended until March 2018[157]

Contracts edit

New contracts and contract extensions.

Date Position Nationality Name Length Expiry Ref.
25 May 2017 CB   Josh Pollard 1 year June 2018 [8]
25 May 2017 CF   Eoin McKeown 1 year June 2018 [8]
28 June 2017 CB   Tom Eastman 2 years June 2019 [10]
29 June 2017 LB   Lewis Kinsella 1 year June 2018 [12]
29 June 2017 LB/RB   Kane Vincent-Young 1 year June 2018 [13]
29 June 2017 WG   Drey Wright 1 year June 2018 [11]
1 July 2017 RB   Ryan Jackson 2 years June 2019 [14]
3 July 2017 MF   Diaz Wright 1 year June 2018 [17]
3 July 2017 WG   Charley Edge 1 year June 2018 [17]
3 July 2017 FW   Decarrey Sheriff 1 year June 2018 [17]
12 July 2017 MF   Tarryn Allarakhia 1 year June 2018 [23]
17 July 2017 LB   Cole Kpekawa 1 year June 2018 [26]
21 July 2017 CF   Mikael Mandron 2 years June 2019 [29]
31 July 2017 MF   Sam Warde 1 year June 2018 [35]
1 August 2017 GK   Dominic Kurasik 1 year June 2018 [36]
1 August 2017 LB   Callum Sturgess 1 year June 2018 [36]
18 August 2017 CB/RB   Will Wright 2 years June 2019 [44]
31 August 2017 FW   Sanmi Odelusi 4 months January 2018 [52]
21 September 2017 CB   Frankie Kent 3 years June 2020 [63]
3 January 2018 LW   Ryan Gondoh 1+12 years June 2019 [94]
3 January 2018 FW   Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe 1+12 years June 2019 [94]
17 January 2018 MF   Brandon Comley 2+12 years June 2020 [101]
24 January 2018 DF   Paul Rooney 1+12 years June 2019 [103]
18 April 2018 WG   Courtney Senior 2 years June 2020 [128]

Match details edit

Preseason friendlies edit

Colchester United arranged six pre-season friendlies, against Braintree Town, Ipswich Town, Maldon & Tiptree,[162] West Ham United XI,[163] Welsh Premier League side Llandudno,[164] Needham Market,[165] and Gillingham.[166]

8 July 2017 (2017-07-08) Friendly Maldon & Tiptree 0–2 Colchester United Maldon
15:00 BST Report Loft   43'
Dunne   55'
Stadium: Wallace Binder Ground
11 July 2017 (2017-07-11) Friendly Needham Market 0–4 Colchester United Needham Market
19:00 BST Report
Report
Johnstone   25'
Issa   80'
Szmodics   88', 89'
Stadium: Bloomfields
Attendance: 261
14 July 2017 (2017-07-14) Friendly   Llandudno 0–1 Colchester United Llandudno
19:00 BST Report Johnstone   27' Stadium: Maesdu Park
Attendance: 342
18 July 2017 (2017-07-18) Friendly Colchester United 2–0 West Ham United XI Colchester
19:45 BST Wright   5'
Johnstone   60'
Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,626
Referee: Tim Robinson
22 July 2017 (2017-07-22) Friendly Braintree Town 0–3 Colchester United Braintree
15:00 BST Report Szmodics   26', 62'
Dunne   82'
Stadium: Cressing Road
Attendance: 619
Referee: Carl Pearce
25 July 2017 (2017-07-25) Friendly Colchester United 0–1 Ipswich Town Colchester
19:30 BST Report Garner   57' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,752
28 July 2017 (2017-07-28) Friendly Colchester United 1–2 Gillingham Colchester
19:30 BST Jackson   70' Report Martin   29'
Parker   54'
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Referee: G Ward

League Two edit

Results round by round edit

Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundAHAHAHHAHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHA
ResultLDLWLWDLLDWWLWDWWDWLWWDWDDLLDDWDWLLDLDWWWLLLDL
Position2120231620141617202116151614151310129111058588911111110111011121313131111101111111213
Updated to match(es) played on 5 May 2018. Source: [1]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

League table edit

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
11 Newport County 46 16 16 14 56 58 −2 64
12 Cambridge United 46 17 13 16 56 60 −4 64
13 Colchester United 46 16 14 16 53 52 +1 62
14 Crawley Town 46 16 11 19 58 66 −8 59
15 Crewe Alexandra 46 17 5 24 62 75 −13 56
Source: BBC Sport
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored

Matches edit

On 21 June 2017, the league fixtures were announced.[167]

5 August 2017 (2017-08-05) 1 Accrington Stanley 3–1 Colchester United Accrington
15:00 BST Jackson   9'
Kee   32'
Beckles   64'
Report Szmodics   81' Stadium: Crown Ground
Attendance: 1,625
Referee: Ross Joyce
12 August 2017 (2017-08-12) 2 Colchester United 1–1 Stevenage Colchester
15:00 BST Mandron   65' Report Newton   51' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,330
Referee: Antony Coggins
19 August 2017 (2017-08-19) 3 Luton Town 3–0 Colchester United Luton
15:00 BST Lee   45+3'
Collins   52'
Potts   83'
Report Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Attendance: 7,865
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
26 August 2017 (2017-08-26) 4 Colchester United 5–1 Forest Green Rovers Colchester
15:00 BST Reid   4'
Kent   21'
Szmodics   65'
Vincent-Young   74'
Senior   90+3'
Report Noble   23' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,047
Referee: Craig Hicks
2 September 2017 (2017-09-02) 5 Cambridge United 1–0 Colchester United Cambridge
15:00 BST Ikpeazu   64' Report Stadium: Abbey Stadium
Attendance: 4,511
Referee: Nick Kinseley
9 September 2017 (2017-09-09) 6 Colchester United 3–1 Crawley Town Colchester
15:00 BST Szmodics   8'
Jackson   14'
Mandron   38'
Report Smith   66' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,923
Referee: Graham Horwood
12 September 2017 (2017-09-12) 7 Colchester United 1–1 Chesterfield Colchester
19:45 BST Hanlan   82' Report Reed   43' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,552
Referee: Darren Handley
16 September 2017 (2017-09-16) 8 Cheltenham Town 3–1 Colchester United Cheltenham
15:00 BST Dawson   10', 15'
Grimes   57'
Report Szmodics   26' (pen.)
Mandron   56'
Stadium: Whaddon Road
Attendance: 2,718
Referee: Tom Nield
23 September 2017 (2017-09-23) 9 Colchester United 1–2 Wycombe Wanderers Colchester
15:00 BST Hanlan   43' Report Tyson   32'
Mackail-Smith   67'
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,562
Referee: Brett Huxtable
26 September 2017 (2017-09-26) 10 Grimsby Town 2–2 Colchester United Cleethorpes
19:45 BST Hooper   7'
Jones   89' (pen.)
Report Reid   5', 59' Stadium: Blundell Park
Attendance: 3,438
Referee: Darren Drysdale
30 September 2017 (2017-09-30) 11 Yeovil Town 0–1 Colchester United Yeovil
15:00 BST Report Murray   43' Stadium: Huish Park
Attendance: 2,556
Referee: Antony Coggins
7 October 2017 (2017-10-07) 12 Colchester United 2–0 Mansfield Town Colchester
15:00 BST Murray   29'
Mandron   34'
Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,262
Referee: John Busby
14 October 2017 (2017-10-14) 13 Colchester United 0–1 Carlisle United Colchester
15:00 BST Report Devitt   58' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,402
Referee: Charles Breakspear
17 October 2017 (2017-10-17) 14 Newport County 1–2 Colchester United Newport
19:45 BST McCoulsky   86' Report Jackson   72'
Mandron   77'
Stadium: Rodney Parade
Attendance: 2,704
Referee: Darren England
21 October 2017 (2017-10-21) 15 Coventry City 0–0 Colchester United Coventry
15:00 BST Report Lapslie   75'   76' Stadium: Ricoh Arena
Attendance: 7,149
Referee: Michael Salisbury
28 October 2017 (2017-10-28) 16 Colchester United 3–1 Crewe Alexandra Colchester
15:00 BST Mandron   39', 71'
Eastman   60'
Report Bowery   22' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,088
Referee: Kevin Johnson
11 November 2017 (2017-11-11) 17 Barnet 0–1 Colchester United Canons Park
15:00 GMT Report Szmodics   83' Stadium: The Hive Stadium
Attendance: 2,301
Referee: John Brooks
18 November 2017 (2017-11-18) 18 Colchester United 0–0 Morecambe Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,872
Referee: Lee Collins
21 November 2017 (2017-11-21) 19 Colchester United 1–0 Lincoln City Colchester
19:45 GMT Szmodics   3' Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,102
Referee: Graham Horwood
25 November 2017 (2017-11-25) 20 Notts County 2–1 Colchester United Nottingham
15:00 GMT Ameobi   68' (pen.)
Yates   90+3'
Report Odelusi   89' Stadium: Meadow Lane
Attendance: 6,770
Referee: Mark Heywood
9 December 2017 (2017-12-09) 21 Colchester United 3–1 Exeter City Colchester
15:00 GMT Archibald-Henville   23' (o.g.)
Szmodics   26' (pen.), 30'
Report Stockley   62' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,049
Referee: Darren Drysdale
15 December 2017 (2017-12-15) 22 Swindon Town 2–3 Colchester United Swindon
19:45 GMT Woolery   36'
Gordon   76'
Report Kent   45+1'
Mandron   63'
Szmodics   78'
Stadium: County Ground
Attendance: 6,020
Referee: John Busby
23 December 2017 (2017-12-23) 23 Colchester United 1–1 Port Vale Colchester
15:00 GMT Szmodics   32' Report Harness   75' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,485
Referee: Nick Kinseley
26 December 2017 (2017-12-26) 24 Crawley Town 0–2 Colchester United Crawley
15:00 GMT Report Mandron   4'
Szmodics   57'
Stadium: Broadfield Stadium
Attendance: 2,154
Referee: Antony Coggins
30 December 2017 (2017-12-30) 25 Chesterfield 0–0 Colchester United Chesterfield
15:00 GMT Report Stadium: Proact Stadium
Attendance: 5,537
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
1 January 2018 (2018-01-01) 26 Colchester United 0–0 Cambridge United Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 4,789
Referee: Charles Breakspear
6 January 2018 (2018-01-06) 27 Colchester United 1–4 Cheltenham Town Colchester
15:00 GMT Guthrie   40'
Reid   44'
Report Odelusi   57'
Atangana   70'
Sellars   79'
Eisa   83'
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,886
Referee: Scott Oldham
13 January 2018 (2018-01-13) 28 Wycombe Wanderers 3–1 Colchester United High Wycombe
15:00 GMT Akinfenwa   14'
Cowan-Hall   24'
O'Nien   74'
Report Szmodics   78' Stadium: Adams Park
Attendance: 4,386
Referee: John Busby
20 January 2018 (2018-01-20) 29 Colchester United 1–1 Grimsby Town Colchester
15:00 GMT Murray   47' Report Vernam   38' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,016
Referee: Craig Hicks
27 January 2018 (2018-01-27) 30 Port Vale 2–2 Colchester United Burslem
15:00 GMT Worrall   33', 87' Report Senior   12'
Wright   45+4'
Stadium: Vale Park
Attendance: 4,044
Referee: Trevor Kettle
3 February 2018 (2018-02-03) 31 Colchester United 2–0 Newport County Colchester
15:00 GMT Stevenson   59'
Eastman   80'
Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,874
Referee: Gavin Ward
10 February 2018 (2018-02-10) 32 Carlisle United 1–1 Colchester United Carlisle
15:00 GMT Devitt   79' Report Senior   44' Stadium: Brunton Park
Attendance: 4,006
Referee: Ross Joyce
13 February 2018 (2018-02-13) 33 Colchester United 2–1 Coventry City Colchester
19:45 GMT Ogedi-Uzokwe   27' (pen.)
Mandron   88'
Report Bayliss   56' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,319
Referee: John Busby
17 February 2018 (2018-02-17) 34 Crewe Alexandra 1–0 Colchester United Crewe
15:00 GMT Miller   60' Report Stadium: Gresty Road
Attendance: 3,548
Referee: Michael Salisbury
24 February 2018 (2018-02-24) 35 Colchester United 0–1 Barnet Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Nicholls   66' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,121
Referee: Dean Whitestone
10 March 2018 (2018-03-10) 36 Mansfield Town 1–1 Colchester United Mansfield
15:00 GMT Hemmings   22' Report Comley   51' Stadium: Field Mill
Attendance: 4,050
Referee: Ross Joyce
17 March 2018 (2018-03-17) 37 Colchester United 0–1 Yeovil Town Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Fisher   21' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 2,772
Referee: Tom Nield
20 March 2018 (2018-03-20) 38 Morecambe 0–0 Colchester United Morecambe
19:45 GMT Report Stadium: Globe Arena
Attendance: 893
Referee: Richard Clark
24 March 2018 (2018-03-24) 39 Stevenage 0–1 Colchester United Stevenage
15:00 GMT Report Mandron   27' Stadium: Broadhall Way
Attendance: 2,709
Referee: Graham Salisbury
30 March 2018 (2018-03-30) 40 Colchester United 2–1 Luton Town Colchester
15:00 GMT Eastman   15'
Prosser   27'
Report Hylton   88' (pen.) Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 5,461
Referee: Trevor Kettle
2 April 2018 (2018-04-02) 41 Forest Green Rovers 1–2 Colchester United Nailsworth
15:00 GMT Reid   37' (pen.) Report Dr. Wright   1'
Stevenson   47'
Stadium: The New Lawn
Attendance: 2,869
Referee: Brett Huxtable
7 April 2018 (2018-04-07) 42 Colchester United 0–1 Accrington Stanley Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Kee   63' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,174
Referee: Kevin Johnson
14 April 2018 (2018-04-14) 43 Colchester United 1–3 Notts County Colchester
15:00 GMT Dr. Wright   9' Report Forte   51'
Ameobi   69'
Duffy   76'
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,599
Referee: Brendan Malone
21 April 2018 (2018-04-21) 44 Lincoln City 2–1 Colchester United Lincoln, England
15:00 GMT Whitehouse   55' (pen.)
Waterfall   90+4'
Bostwick   83'
Report Senior   60' Stadium: Sincil Bank
Attendance: 9,211
Referee: Darren Handley
28 April 2018 (2018-04-28) 45 Colchester United 0–0 Swindon Town Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 3,687
Referee: Craig Hicks
5 May 2018 (2018-05-05) 46 Exeter City 1–0 Colchester United Exeter
15:00 GMT Simpson   71' Report Stadium: St James Park
Attendance: 4,615
Referee: Charles Breakspear

EFL Cup edit

On 16 June 2017, Colchester were drawn at home to Championship side Aston Villa in the first round of the EFL Cup.[168] The match was chosen to be screened live on Sky Sports and would be played on 9 August.[169]

9 August 2017 (2017-08-09) First round Colchester United 1–2 Aston Villa Colchester
19:45 BST Kent   39' Report Hogan   7'
Kent   19' (o.g.)
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 6,603
Referee: John Brooks

EFL Trophy edit

On 7 July 2017, Colchester were drawn against Gillingham and Southend United as their first two opponents in the EFL Trophy group stage.[170] Reading U23s were drawn as Colchester's final group opponents on 12 July.[171]

Pos Lge Team Pld W PW PL L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 L1 Gillingham (Q) 3 3 0 0 0 10 6 +4 9 Round 2
2 L1 Southend United (Q) 3 2 0 0 1 4 2 +2 6
3 L2 Colchester United (E) 3 0 1 0 2 2 5 −3 2
4 ACA Reading U21 (E) 3 0 0 1 2 7 10 −3 1
Updated to match(es) played on 7 November 2017. Source: EFL.com
(E) Eliminated; (Q) Qualified to the phase indicated
29 August 2017 (2017-08-29) Group stage Colchester United 2–2
(6–5 p)
Reading U23 Colchester
19:30 BST Szmodics   5'
McKeown   87'
Report Barrett   19'
House   42'
Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 572
Penalties
Kinsella  
James  
Mandron  
Dr. Wright  
O'Sullivan  
Jackson  
Andresson  
Smith  
Holsgrove  
Holmes  
Barrett  
Rollinson  
3 October 2017 (2017-10-03) Group stage Colchester United 0–1 Gillingham Colchester
19:45 BST Report Ehmer   90+1' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 684
7 November 2017 (2017-11-07) Group stage Southend United 2–0 Colchester United Southend-on-Sea
19:45 GMT Wright   37'
Robinson   49'
Report Stadium: Roots Hall
Attendance: 2,781

FA Cup edit

On 16 October 2017, Colchester were drawn at home to National League South side Oxford City in the first round of the FA Cup in what would be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.[71]

4 November 2017 First round Colchester United 0–1 Oxford City Colchester
15:00 GMT Report Paterson   46' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium
Attendance: 1,775
Referee: Alan Young

Squad statistics edit

Appearances and goals edit

As of 5 May 2018[172]
No. Pos Nat Player Total League Two FA Cup EFL Cup EFL Trophy
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1 GK   ENG Sam Walker 47 0 44 0 1 0 1 0 1 0
2 DF   ENG Ryan Jackson 45 2 41+1 2 1 0 1 0 0+1 0
4 MF   ENG Tom Lapslie 31 0 27+2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
5 DF   ENG Luke Prosser 16 1 14+2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 DF   ENG Frankie Kent 41 3 37 2 1 0 1 1 2 0
7 FW   ENG Drey Wright 47 3 38+6 3 1 0 1 0 1 0
8 MF   ENG Doug Loft 13 0 10+2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
9 FW   SCO Denny Johnstone 3 0 1+1 0 0 0 0+1 0 0 0
10 MF   ENG Sammie Szmodics 40 13 29+8 12 0 0 1 0 1+1 1
11 DF   ENG Brennan Dickenson 7 0 4+3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 MF   MSR Brandon Comley 40 1 31+7 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
15 FW   IRL Olamide Shodipo 6 0 2+4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 MF   IRL Sean Murray 40 3 18+19 3 0 0 1 0 2 0
17 MF   ENG Ben Stevenson 13 2 10+3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
18 DF   ENG Tom Eastman 45 3 41+1 3 1 0 0 0 2 0
19 FW   FRA Mikael Mandron 49 10 42+2 10 1 0 1 0 2+1 0
20 FW   ENG Courtney Senior 19 4 10+8 4 0 0 0 0 0+1 0
21 FW   ENG Liam Mandeville 7 0 1+6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 DF   ENG Kane Vincent-Young 41 1 37+1 1 0 0 0 0 3 0
23 MF   WAL Tommy O'Sullivan 4 0 0+1 0 0+1 0 0 0 1+1 0
24 MF   SCO Craig Slater 10 0 1+5 0 0+1 0 0+1 0 1+1 0
25 GK   ENG Dillon Barnes 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
26 DF   ENG Ryan Inniss 19 0 18 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
27 FW   NGA Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe 9 1 3+6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 GK   IRL Rene Gilmartin 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
31 FW   ENG Tariq Issa 3 0 0+2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
32 MF   ENG Diaz Wright 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
35 DF   ENG Cameron James 11 0 3+4 0 0 0 1 0 3 0
36 FW   ENG Ryan Gondoh 2 0 1+1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
42 FW   ENG Eoin McKeown 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 1
Players who appeared for Colchester who left during the season
3 DF   ENG Lewis Kinsella 14 0 4+5 0 0+1 0 0+1 0 3 0
12 DF   ENG Cole Kpekawa 8 0 4+2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
15 FW   ENG Nicke Kabamba 10 0 3+5 0 0 0 0 0 1+1 0
17 FW   ENG Kyel Reid 19 3 13+4 3 1 0 1 0 0 0
21 FW   ENG Brandon Hanlan 20 2 10+8 2 1 0 0 0 0+1 0
27 FW   ENG Sanmi Odelusi 10 1 0+8 1 0 0 0 0 2 0
28 FW   ENG Kurtis Guthrie 13 1 7+5 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

Goalscorers edit

Place Number Nation Position Name League Two FA Cup EFL Cup EFL Trophy Total
1 10   AM Sammie Szmodics 12 0 0 1 13
2 19   CF Mikael Mandron 10 0 0 0 10
3 20   WG Courtney Senior 4 0 0 0 4
4 18   CB Tom Eastman 3 0 0 0 3
6   CB Frankie Kent 2 0 1 0 3
16   AM Sean Murray 3 0 0 0 3
17   WG Kyel Reid 3 0 0 0 3
7   WG Drey Wright 3 0 0 0 3
9 21   FW Brandon Hanlan 2 0 0 0 2
2   RB Ryan Jackson 2 0 0 0 2
17   MF Ben Stevenson 2 0 0 0 2
12 14   MF Brandon Comley 1 0 0 0 1
28   CF Kurtis Guthrie 1 0 0 0 1
42   CF Eoin McKeown 0 0 0 1 1
27   FW Sanmi Odelusi 1 0 0 0 1
27   FW Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe 1 0 0 0 1
5   CB Luke Prosser 1 0 0 0 1
22   LB/RB Kane Vincent-Young 1 0 0 0 1
Own goals 1 0 0 0 1
TOTALS 53 0 1 2 56

Disciplinary record edit

Number Nationality Position Player League Two FA Cup EFL Cup EFL Trophy Total
                   
19   CF Mikael Mandron 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1
6   CB Frankie Kent 7 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 9 0
4   CM Tom Lapslie 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1
10   AM Sammie Szmodics 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0
22   LB/RB Kane Vincent-Young 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
14   MF Brandon Comley 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
18   CB Tom Eastman 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2   RB Ryan Jackson 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
3   LB Lewis Kinsella 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
17   WG Kyel Reid 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
8   MF Doug Loft 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
1   GK Sam Walker 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
7   WG Drey Wright 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
16   CM Sean Murray 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
36   LW Ryan Gondoh 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
28   CF Kurtis Guthrie 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
26   CB Ryan Inniss 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
23   CM Tommy O'Sullivan 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
5   CB Luke Prosser 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
TOTALS 63 3 0 0 2 0 3 0 68 3

Player debuts edit

Players making their first-team Colchester United debut in a fully competitive match.[173]

Number Position Player Date Opponent Ground Notes
2 RB   Ryan Jackson 5 August 2017 Accrington Stanley Crown Ground [174]
19 CF   Mikael Mandron 5 August 2017 Accrington Stanley Crown Ground [174]
12 LB   Cole Kpekawa 5 August 2017 Accrington Stanley Crown Ground [174][a]
17 WG   Kyel Reid 9 August 2017 Aston Villa Colchester Community Stadium [175]
20 WG   Courtney Senior 26 August 2017 Forest Green Rovers Colchester Community Stadium [176]
29 GK   Rene Gilmartin 29 August 2017 Reading U23 Colchester Community Stadium [177]
42 CF   Eoin McKeown 29 August 2017 Reading U23 Colchester Community Stadium [177]
27 FW   Sanmi Odelusi 2 September 2017 Cambridge United Abbey Stadium [178]
14 MF   Brandon Comley 9 September 2017 Crawley Town Colchester Community Stadium [179]
15 FW   Nicke Kabamba 9 September 2017 Crawley Town Colchester Community Stadium [179]
26 CB   Ryan Inniss 9 September 2017 Crawley Town Colchester Community Stadium [179]
21 FW   Brandon Hanlan 12 September 2017 Chesterfield Colchester Community Stadium [180]
27 FW   Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe 20 January 2018 Grimsby Town Colchester Community Stadium [181]
14 MF   Brandon Comley 27 January 2018 Port Vale Vale Park [182][a]
17 MF   Ben Stevenson 3 February 2018 Newport County Colchester Community Stadium [183]
21 FW   Liam Mandeville 10 February 2018 Carlisle United Brunton Park [184]
15 WG   Olamide Shodipo 10 March 2018 Mansfield Town Field Mill [185]
36 LW   Ryan Gondoh 28 April 2018 Swindon Town Colchester Community Stadium [186]
  1. ^ a b Second debut for the club.

Honours and awards edit

End-of-season awards edit

Award Player Notes
Player of the Year award   Tom Eastman [187]
Young Player of the Year award   Kane Vincent-Young [187]
Player's Player of the Year award   Sam Walker [187]
Goal of the Season award   Kane Vincent-Young [187]
Community Player of the Year award   Luke Prosser [187]
Colchester United Supporters Association Home Player of the Year award   Tom Eastman [187]
Colchester United Supporters Association Away Player of the Year award   Tom Eastman [187]

See also edit

References edit

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