League Two leaders Lincoln kept in check by Colchester

Sky Bet League Two
Colchester 1-0 Lincoln
Kent 28

The story of the match
Sky Bet League Two leaders Lincoln arrived in Essex without a win in two matches and that run was extended in a close encounter, just shaded by Colchester 1-0, in a physical battle described by triumphant boss John McGreal as a "man's game". Each side managed just two shots on target.

The match was decided by a set-piece as Colchester centre-back Frankie Kent reacted first after his initial effort had been saved by visiting keeper Josh Vickers.

Lincoln came out positively in the second half and nearly equalised through Bruno Andrade, whose seemingly goalbound effort was blocked by his own teammate Harry Anderson close to the net, much to the annoyance of Imps boss Danny Cowley.

"Arghhhh Harry!" was all the visibly frustrated Cowley could manage and Lincoln had to wait until the last kick of the match to force their next-best effort when Michael O'Connor's free kick was tipped away by Rene Gilmartin.

Between those opportunities Colchester looked dangerous on the counter as Sammie Szmodics and Kane Vincent-Young provided threatening moments and a Ryan Jackson effort was saved by Vickers.

Tactics
Lincoln earned a reputation for being long-ball experts last season but there was more calm to their play for the opening 75 minutes, before they started going direct to substitutes Matt Rhead and Matt Green in the latter stages.

Cowley has tinkered with his formation this season, but started with a 4-2-3-1 shape and City were more patient in their build-up compared to last term when set-pieces played such an integral part in the run to the playoffs.

They still had the odd routine up their sleeves, including one five-man "love train" as it was called during England's World Cup campaign but Lincoln looked at their most dangerous when they got the ball forward quickly.

Cowley, after a lengthy consultation with his brother Nicky who seemed to be the main tactical instigator, changed to a 4-3-3 in a bid to grab an equaliser but it was to no avail.

In-play punters may want to note Lincoln really went for it with Nicky Cowley demanding left-back Harry Toffolo was high and wide, so more often than not there will be late goals if the Imps are chasing points.

Strengths
Not many forwards are going to get much change out of centre-backs Michael Bostwick and Jason Shackell at this level and the options on the bench bode well for Lincoln as the campaign kicks on.

Rhead and Green were a handful in their cameos, probably offering more than starting forwards John Akinde and Shay McCartan, while despite not being at his best Andrade still had Lincoln's best attacking moments.

Weaknesses
Lincoln missed Lee Frecklington in midfield - the hometown hero was fit enough only for the bench, and there was a lack of direction in his absence.

With Frecklington starting Lincoln's record is P10 W7 D1 L2 but without him it's now P10 W4 D3 L3 so the sooner he gets back the better after being withdrawn at half-time of the 6-2 romp at Port Vale on October 13.

Cowley was also upset with his forwards and told lincolnshirelive.co.uk: "Anderson lacked quality, Andrade looked tired, Akinde didn’t do enough and McCartan was non-existent."

Goalscorer notebook
Shackell got first contact on a few set-pieces and City seem to do a routine which attempts to get him free around the back, although Bostwick possibly caught the eye most as he is more aggressive when attacking the ball.

Bostwick was also pushed into midfield in the latter stages and on this evidence it is easy to see why both centre-backs have already got two goals each this campaign.

View from the camp
Cowley said: "I didn’t think there was much between the teams and I didn’t think either team played that well. We have high standards and we’re disappointed that we haven’t managed to get to the levels we expect."

Prospects
This was a disappointing defeat but Lincoln remain top and have the best goal difference in the league. However, they did not stand out as a great bet to win the title at 6-4 with 12-1 shots Colchester at least Lincoln's equals on the afternoon.

Opposition
Colchester were a bit naive last season but this is a much more streetwise unit, capable of playing football or mixing it in a physical battle. They were able to slow down the match at restarts and everyone is on board - one cheeky ballboy was reprimanded by the linesman for agitating Toffolo towards the end of proceedings.

Luke Prosser was excellent at centre-back and Vincent-Young likewise at left-back, while there is decent variety to fifth-placed United's attacking play, most of which goes through clever technician Szmodics.

Frank Nouble offers powerful thrust down the left flank and opposite winger Courtney Senior is one to watch for sure.

Teams
Colchester 4-2-3-1: Gilmartin; Jackson, Kent, Prosser, Vincent-Young; Pell, Lapslie; Senior (Mandron 89), Szmodics (Eastman 84), Nouble; Norris.

Lincoln 4-2-3-1: Vickers; Wilson, Bostwick, Shackell, Toffolo; O'Connor, Pett; Anderson, McCartan (Green 76), Andrade (Rhead 75); Akinde.

Next three fixtures
Colchester: Swindon (h), Accrington (a), Cambridge (a).
Lincoln: Forest Green (h), Wolves U21 (h), Northampton (h).

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