Ten-man U's secure incredible win (From Essex County Standard)

Ten-man U's secure incredible win

4:58pm Saturday 16th March 2013 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Crucial winner - Clinton Morrison bagged Colchester United's winner in their 2-1 victory at Bury.

Colchester United secured an incredible 2-1 win at Bury this afternoon after playing almost the whole of the game with ten men.

Colchester made the worst possible start when winger George Porter was sent off for serious foul play just inside the U's half after just four minutes.

That left the U's with a one man disadvantage and were inevitably forced to defend after that, with Craig Jones and Ebanks-Landell both going close and Craig Fagan inexplicably missing from eight yards.

But the former U's forward made no mistake midway through the first half when he blasted a low shot past Walker, after Steven Schumacher's pass across the area.

Colchester responded to the setback well though and were back on level terms on the half hour through defender Josh Thompson, who powerfully headed in from Billy Clifford's corner.

And barely two minutes later, Clinton Morrison finshed superbly with a low shot after Gavin Massey's shot had been blocked in the area.

U's goalkeeper Sam Walker made a superb save in the closing stages of the first half from Andy Bishop and Schumacher and substitute Nicky Ajose also went close, as Bury went in search of an equaliser.

But Colchester had their moments, witrh Massey bursting through and being denied by keeper Trevor Carson.

The U's defence led a charmed life though, with Bradley Garmston saving off the line and then Andy Bishop seeing his effort come back off the underside of the bar from a corner as the home side piled on the pressure.

Walker pushed away Johnson Clarke-Harris's long-range strike as the clock ticked down but Colchester defended well to secure a huge three points.

For a full match report, pictures and reaction to Colchester's win at Bury, see Monday's Gazette.