Colchester United 2-1 Fleetwood
Fleetwood Town fell to a narrow defeat at the hands of Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon.Liam McAlinden gave the Cod Army the lead on what was his first start for the Club with a looping finish over keeper Sam Walker.
Gavin Massey equalized for the home side before the break though with a neat finish at the back post, before going on to net the winner some 15 minutes time.
In the absence of Conor McLaughlin who was away on international duty, Stephen Crainey returned from suspension and slotted in at right back, while Danny Andrew kept his place on the left.
Up front, McAlinden, on-loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, replaced last weekend’s match winner, Stephen Dobbie, who dropped to the bench.
David Fox very nearly gave the hosts a perfect start in the 10th minute when his curling effort from the edge of the box bent narrowly wide of Chris Maxwell’s goal.
Ex-Arsenal man Sanchez Watt later saw his free kick go wide of the post as the Essex outfit began the stronger of the two sides.
However, it was Town who took the lead on the quarter hour mark, as loanee McAlinden began his Fleetwood career in fine fashion with a well taken goal.
McAlinden got on the end of a superb defence-splitting ball from Gareth Evans and lobbed keeper Sam Walker with aplomb.
The goal boosted Town and their tempo improved, with Antoni Sarcevic and Josh Morris seeing respective strikes saved and blocked.
Fleetwood continued to pressure, and a teasing run from Jamie Proctor nearly resulted in a second goal, however the former Crawley man shot wide.
Despite Town’s good play, Colchester were level five minutes before the interval, when Gavin Massey volleyed home a Freddie Sears cross at the back post.
After the break, Sarcevic’s glancing header from Steven Schumacher’s corner hit the post, before Proctor fired over from point-blank range.
At the opposite end, Freddie Sears drew a fine save out of Maxwell after being put through on goal by Massey.
A neat interchange between Sarcevic and Evans saw the latter rifle wide of the post as Town looked to get their noses in front.
With an hour on the clock, Graham Alexander made his first change of the afternoon as David Ball came on in place of Proctor.
Evans came close to giving Fleetwood the lead when Josh Morris’ clever pull back found the winger on the edge of the box, but he screwed just wide.
Massey put his side ahead with 15 minutes remaining as he curled an effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Fleetwood rallied for the equaliser they deserved, going close through Schumacher and Dobbie, however were unable to level things.