This was the first time in eleven years that I have left a U's game before the final whistle, such was my disappointment when Freddie Sears missed a penalty.

Earlier, on my arrival in Bruff Close, the shuttle bus queue ominously stretched for its full length. To the credit of the system, that percentage of the crowd that had elected to take this route were swiftly boarded and promptly dispatched to the stadium. Our bus was full of gold and black, as if Wolves were the home team. What a jovial bunch. But the after two consecutive relegations, I suppose one does have to have a sense of humour.

It was evident once inside the stadium that, contrary to expectation, the Wanderers had not sold out their allocation unless the many gaps in the seating were still in the pub (where we had indeed left many, they having discovered the joy of 'Real Ale'). We only just made the kick off. A total crowd of 7,200 say's everything about how difficult it is it to fill WHCS whilst in League One. But the atmosphere rocked from the start with the South Stand the dominant choir that is until silenced by two brilliantly taken goals in the second half, and thereafter an almost stunned silence whilst the North Stand shook with ecstasy (or was it from Adnam's Old Ale?).

The game started rather oddly. Colchester evidently won the toss and unusually chose to attack towards the home fans rather than the usual reverse (e.g. given that Wolves then kicked off). With no obvious wind or blinding sun, I suspect that the Dunne psychology was to hopefully strike first and hang on. Unlike last week at Ashton Gate, where we were pretty poor throughout, but led at half time and scraped a draw, today, the U's actually played quite well, but got well beaten. We were unlucky to be adrift at half time, but I have no doubt that it was a penalty, as there were no complaints from any U's players. But a point or better did still seem to be on the cards after expiry of the first period.

At Bristol City, we were battered for the entire 45 minutes of the second half, and perhaps lucky not to concede five. Today, it was a much more even contest, but the class of Lee Griffiths and Kevin Doyle shone through twice. They don't need any more invitations. Having seen Orient four times this season, I can comfortably predict that Wolves and Posh will occupy the automatic promotion spots. Their class in front of goal surpasses anything else that we have seen. 8 shots on target for the U's, and merely 6 for Wanderers might suggest that we had our opportunities (and we did). But we were well beaten by THE class side in this league that have players that can finish the job with as much certainty as a demolition expert conducting a tooth extraction using dynamite. Devastating!

Sears' penalty miss simply sums up our plight. Even if handed on a plate, we can't seem to finish. At first, it did seem a bit odd at three goals down to see Joe Dunne withdraw our two best attackers, (my Man of the Month) Jeffrey Monakana after 57 minutes (replaced by Sammie Szmodics) and then the ever hard working Jabo Ibehre (for Freddie Lapado) on 75 minutes. Most fans would have preferred Sears to be sacrificed instead. But on further reflection, one can see the manager's thinking. Without the (possibly) still injured Watt and Massey, and with Monakana's loan expiring, where else can we get width next week?

Sears was then pushed conspicuously wide, and the attack was further supported by Bean on the opposite flank, who is the far more attacking option than David Wright. Szmodics and Lapado then combined in a more traditional 4-4-2 (rather than 4-4-1-1). Frankly, I like that!

Suddenly we looked like a far more dangerous side, and this led to the U's penalty. But was this just the impact of fresh legs? I think not. I hate to say this (as I do really like Jabo), but I have a sneaky feeling that our best forward combination will ultimately include Watt, Massey and Lapado (e.g. no Ibrehe or Sears). Jabo is an awesome player, but I reckon his style of play needs somebody other than Sears to partner him (instead perhaps a Lisbie or Cureton type goal poacher, which we DON'T have). Deeper and wider is where Sears is probably at his best, and he can possibly still do a job whilst Massey and Watt (and Drey Wright) are unfit. An alternative is perhaps to combine Jabo and Szmodics, but the jury is out on that option.

So controversial it may be, but I would put Ibehre on the bench and start with Lapado and Sears against Walsall (assumes Massey and Watt are still unfit). Frankly, I still have my doubts that we will win again before Tranmere Rovers on 30th November (but we may get a few draws), so let's give it a go. Anything to get out of this no win run.

A defeat to this quality side is no disgrace, and after a few hours of liquid reflection this evening, I conclude that Joe Dunne possibly learned more about his best player combination (from what is available) in 25 minutes today than in the entire previous 875 minutes of the league season.

Photo: Action Images

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