Saturday at Prenton Park, an unusual occurrence given their preference for Friday night football. Plenty of expectant Colchester supporters hoping for another away win.

Looking down from the Cowshed (always an excellent view) it was interesting to note that the current Colchester team is probably the tallest that I can remember for many a year. Perhaps a portent of Aidy’s tactical ploy.

Still over the years we have often looked diminutive compared to the opposition so it is interesting to see a role reversal.

Now Barnes likes his charges to play a neat passing game so it was no surprise to see the pitch watered just before kickoff, poor Medy Elito was one of several Col U players to receive an early shower.

Given their perilous position I was expecting to see some Barnes out banners, Johnson (Chairman) out etc but apart from a Liverpool mafia out banner which was displayed almost apologetically there was little to suggest that there was considerable unrest on the Wirral.

Tranmere came out of the traps like greyhounds and played some neat passing movements for the first 7 or so minutes. They looked composed on the ball and frankly Colchester seemed as though they were still on the coach. A slow start encouraged the team in white but the U’s soaked up the early pressure and started to string some passes together.

Now compare the two managers – Boothroyd smart and impeccably tailored sporting the now famous Colchester tie and encouraging from the technical area. Barnes moody cowering in the dugout often slumped against the wall whilst McAteer shouted instructions to his charges.

The youngster Batth was slow to close down Ricketts who outmuscled him before getting a modest shot away which Williams saved with ease but the warning sign was there.

Suddenly the ball looped over Tierney’s head and he failed to hear Williams call and put the ball behind for a corner. The resultant corner caused a goal mouth scramble and after saving on the line Williams was unlucky to see the ball to fall kindly for Welsh to stab home from close range.

Disappointment turned to joy almost immediately, Odejayi beat his man comfortably and played a delightful ball into O’Toole who calmly side footed the ball past the despairing Daniels. 1-1 and that was the end of the scoring but not the end of the entertainment.

Foxy tried his luck with a well placed free kick which Daniels saved at full stretch, Wordsworth tried a speculative shot from distance which Daniels fumbled but there was no one for the rebound.

Mr Bratt (well named) decided to book virtually the entire Rovers back line and also booked four of the Colchester players. It was however not a game that deserved eight bookings. The irony of course was that Ricketts remained well outside the referee’s book despite his constant pushing, raised arms, holding, gouging, manhandling (don’t get carried away) etc, etc. Just before half time it threatened to boil over from a twice taken Tranmere free kick but fortunately the half time whistle brought an end to the proceedings.

Half time brought an opportunity for a meat and potato pie whilst my son enjoyed a hot dog. Catering was ok, the cheese and onion crisps lacked any flavour however.

The second half saw Colchester dominate without managing to force home their advantage. Magnus who is looking better every game could have scored a hat trick of headers, the impressive O’Toole was controlling things in the middle of the park and the willing Odejayi combined well with Platt who I thought had a quiet game. I like to see three strikers on the field but feel that away from home we miss Lisbie playing in a more advanced position.

Fox drifted out of the game and was replaced by the pacy Hackney, the youngster Batth was literally exhausted and Matt Heath replaced him whilst Sick note arrived with 12 minutes or so to go for the tiring Platt. I have to say that when he plays there is expectancy amongst the supporters many of course obviously have never seen him play! He does bring pace and skill to the party and could have scored late on in the match.

Odejayi had a chance at the death but was denied on the line. Tranmere thought they had won it late on but quite rightly the goal was disallowed for offside. At the end of the game the team soaked up the applause. Aidy has not yet realised that he should accompany his team to receive support from the faithful.

Equally however the crowd have not yet developed their chant of Aidy Boothroyd’s blue and white army, we’re so good it’s unbelievable!

Perhaps three points against Parky’s Addicks may well receive the appropriate response. Four games unbeaten since Aidy’s arrival, long may it continue.

Photo: Action Images

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