Puma Youth Alliance Cup Semi Final
Team: Crowther, Coyne, Brown, O’Brien, Ford, Lawrence, Morgan-Cummings, Smith, German, Rose, Arthur.
Although the R’s were drawn away, it was agreed that this game would be played at Harlington as Layer Road wasn’t available and the pitches their Youth sides usually use weren’t playable. Good to see that Romone Rose was available again even though AFC Wimbledon were set to play East Thurrock.
There was a good turnout as the game kicked off seven minutes late but the gale force winds forced many fans and parents to watch the game from the comfort of the Pavilion. QPR had beaten Colchester 2-0 earlier in the Season but the visitors took an early lead when their unmarked striker fired the ball into the net. They should of gone further ahead soon after and with players in space, the effort went wide. Romone had a good run down the left which resulted in a shot over the bar. The visitors subbed a player who was physically sick and meanwhile to add to the very poor weather conditions, there was a downpour of sleet and rain.
Romone Rose was apparently ill and Chris Arthur had a knee injury and neither player re-appeared for the 2nd half. Four minutes after the interval, Colchester scored their second goal and the R’s had a couple of chances when Danny Fernandez shot wide and their keeper made a double save from Aaron Morgan-Cummings and Antonio German. At the other end, Crowther kept the score down with a couple of excellent saves including one which he somehow saved with his legs whilst in mid-air. The weather did ease at times so we experienced gale force winds, rain, sleet and even a bit of sunshine. Some good news was the return of Danny Maguire from injury for the last 15 minutes or so and the 2nd half display of U15’s player Michael Harimon (?) who worked very hard down the right wing. QPR were always chasing the game and Colchester scored a third in added time.
A very disappointing Cup exit but the visitors deserved their victory and good luck to them in the Final. It was good to see Gary andKalitsa Parrett plus Liam and Martin O’Brien. Dean Parrett had flown out to Israel with the England U17’s who are due to play France, Russia this week and the hosts on Sundaygood luck to him. Lastly and much appreciated, thanks to Joe English for the lift back to South Harrow
Steve Russell