Danny Cowley saluted in-form Colchester after their 1-0 home win over Chesterfield lifted them closer to the League Two play-off places.
John-Kymani Gordon’s 59th-minute close-range header from Jack Payne’s fine delivery sealed victory for the U’s, who are now six points off the top seven after extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
Boss Cowley said: “It was a really hard fought, brilliant win. I’m really proud of the players. I thought their will tonight was incredible.
“We were the better side in the first half and we got into some really good moments.
“We couldn’t quite find that final action but when you consider we were without Teddy Bishop, we lost Arthur Read to illness at half-time, two of our centre midfielders in a game against Chesterfield who like to come and overload you in central areas and in wide areas.
“I thought the boys stuck to the task and we were really well supported by our brilliant supporters – they stayed with us through the whole game.
“It was a great header by JK Gordon. The pitch is incredibly difficult, probably the worst that I’ve had to prepare a team for but it’s our pitch.
“It might be a difficult pitch but it’s a pitch that we’re finding good form on and we are really enjoying playing here.”
Colchester were worthy of their win, with Chesterfield goalkeeper Ryan Boot twice denying Payne and also saving well from Ellis Iandolo.
Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson saw his effort saved by U’s goalkeeper Matt Macey before half-time.
But a bad night for the Spireites, who are without a win in four, was compounded in the 89th minute when striker Paddy Madden was shown a red card for a foul on Colchester substitute Samson Tovide.
Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb said: “It’s a common theme at the minute. The scoreline doesn’t lie.
“It’s a really disappointing run at the minute and we haven’t come away from any game recently thinking ‘we should have won that’ or ‘we should have got a draw’.
“You’re hoping something drops to us at the end and the lads worked their socks off but it wasn’t very good.
“We want clean sheets, we want to score goals and we’re not really doing either.
“It was a real shame for those supporters who came tonight and those who watched it from home.
“We’re in a period now where I should imagine a lot of people are thinking ‘just end the season’ but there are still a lot of games to go, so we need to liven up.
“We do not want a sad, flat end to the season – we want something for the supporters to sing about.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...

Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...

Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...

WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...

Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...

Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...

Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...

Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...

Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...



- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga