The U's this evening won their first Cup game under the management of Geraint Williams, defeating Gillingham 1-0 at the Priestfield Stadium in the First Round of the Carling Cup.

Colchester United advanced to the Second Round of the Carling Cup for the first time since August 2004 as they beat Gillingham 1-0 at The Priestfield Stadium. Matt Heath was the U's hero with the only goal of the game just eleven minutes in.

Geraint Williams made changes to the side that had lost at Hartlepool on Saturday with Matt Lockwood, Johnnie Jackson and Chris Coyne axed to the bench. They were replaced by Phil Ifil, Matt Heath and midfielder Kemal Izzet. Stephen Gillespie missed out through injury so Clive Platt started his first game of the season.

Gillingham had former U's defender Garry Richards in central defence while battering ram Mark McCammon would no doubt cause problems for the U's defence.

McCammon defied by Gerken in the early moments as U's fans struggled to get to the Priestfield Stadium following traffic problems at the QE2 bridge.

However, on 11 minutes the U's took the lead thanks to Matt Heath. A corner by Mark Yeates was flicked on at the near post where the former Leeds defender bundled the ball home with the referee giving the goal.

Southall went close with a free-kick while an effort from Miller went just wide of Dean Gerken's goal. The U's were content to allow Gillingham to pose the questions as they looked to progress in the competition for the first time since beating West Brom in 2004.

Wordsworth got on the end of a deep cross from the right-hand side but headed just wide after the break. Julian had to touch a White cross behind for a corner as it threatened to dip just under the bar.

Gills manager Paul Stimpson made a triple change just after the hour mark when Miller, McCammon and Nicky Southall were replaced by Dennis Oli, Berry and Mulligan

Matt Heath had a long chat with referee P Crossley after he appeared to pull back Simoen Jackson. Nutter's freekick free failed to trouble Dean Gerken and soon afterwards, Medy Elito came on for Mark Yeates.

Alan Julian was then called on to make a super save from Kem Izzet to keep the Kent side still in the competition. Clive Platt set him up with a lovely cushioned header into his path which Izzet then thumped towards goal but somehow the former Brentford shot stopper stuck out a left hand to divert the ball behind. A pity therefore that just 2566 were there to see the U's skipper on the night's powerful effort.

Jackson found Gerken in good form as he struck the ball across the box but the U's keeper had got his angles absolutely spot on to collect under pressure.

From thirty yards, Jackson combined with Mulligan to strike the ball but thankfully for the U's, the shot was slightly off-target.

The last time the U's reached the 2nd Round of this competition, Ben May's goal in injury time of extra time defeated Premiership West Bromwich Albion. Another Premier League team at Cuckoo Farm wouldn't hurt at all!.

Did you go to the game? If so, don't forget to fill out your Player Ratings and also why not leave a comment on the Your Report page. Both features are accesable under the Interactive menu.

Photo: Action Images

Colchester United Polls