Cowley hails U’s effort after fifth straight win

By Will Weston

COLCHESTER U 3

Taylor 55, Edwards 59, Payne 85

COLCHESTER: Macey 8, Egbo 8, Kelleher 8, Flanagan 7, Hunt 7, Read 8 (Jolliffe 89), Iandolo 7 (Tucker 89), Anderson 8, Payne 8, Edwards 9 (Gordon 81, 6), Taylor 8 (Simpson 77, 6). Subs not used: Smith, Aboh, Thorn.

FLEETWOOD T 0

FLEETWOOD: Lynch 6, Bennett 7, Bolton 6, Wiredu 6, Broom 7 (Cover 76, 6), Virtue 6 (Neal 66, 6), Bonds 7, Helm 6 (Mayor 65, 6), Hunt 6 (Patterson 66, 6), Graydon 6 (Marsh 24, 6), Devonport 7. Subs not used: Hewitson, Potter.

Att: 5,636 Rating: ★★★★★ Ref: Carl Brook 6/10

DANNY Cowley commended his in-form Colchester United’s “incredible effort” after they beat Fleetwood Town to rack up a fifth straight League Two win.

Second-half goals from Lyle Taylor, Owura Edwards and Jack Payne sealed the U’s home victory, moving them into the playoff positions.

“It was a really good performance and a really good day for us,” said Cowley. “It’s been a good two weeks and to get five wins in 14 days has been an incredible effort from everyone involved. Of course the players, but the staff as well, and our brilliant supporters.

“Don’t underestimate how hard today was, because when you’ve played a fifth game in 14 days againstainsta team that’s had a clear week and a full week to prepare, it becomes really tough physically and really tough mentally.

“But the way that we implemented the game plan and the boys ran for each other was brilliant and they got what they deserved.

“In any game, there’s a period where you have to see it through and dig deep and we did that and we got back together at half time, made a couple of little tweaks and it just gave us really good control in that second half.”

Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch thwarted Edwards early on and then made a double save from Harry Anderson.

At the other end, Fleetwood’s Mackenzie Hunt shot tamely at Colchester goalkeeper Matt Macey, while Mark Helm also wasted a good chance.

Arthur Read’s 25-yard strike dipped just over for Colchester before Macey palmed away Owen Devonport’s first-time strike, just before half time.

Two goals in four minutes after half time put the hosts in control.

Taylor gave Colchester a 55th-minute lead when he fired home from close range, after being pickedoutby Harry Anderson in the area.

And Edwards doubled the U’s advantage in the 59th minute when he fired a shot under Lynch and into the netting after being picked out by Mandela Egbo’s pass.

Payne sealed Colchester’s victory in the 85th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the area, as Danny Cowley’s side won again.

“It was really frustrating,” said disappointed Fleetwood boss Pete Wild.

“We had the better of the play, we had the better of the opportunities but we’ve ultimately not taken those opportunities.”