This was another uninspiring performance, but at least we won - just.

Jussi was in goal. My first impressions of him are that he is a bit short and unspectacular. I was a little bit critical of Robert Green last season, but when Colchester scored, I couldn’t help but think that Green would have saved it.

As stated in an earlier post, Nolan almost immediately picked up an injury to his foot (I think this has turned out to be to a toe). Taylor moved into Nolan’s central position and Danny Potts came on and took over the left back spot.

Guy Demel was at right back, Reid and McCartney in the middle. Demel continues to provide a good attacking option up the right wing.

Noble, O’Neil and Taylor made up the midfield. They seemed to do lots of running around, but with very little invention. I thought Colchester overran them for large portions of the match. In fact our first goal came from Kyle Reid frustrated with the lack of creativity in front of him, bringing the ball out from the back and creating some much needed impetus. I am starting to wonder what Taylor brings to the team.

Nicky Maynard and Kazim-Richards provided the outside prongs of attack. Cole was up the middle. Maynard looks lively and took his goal well. Kazim-Richards appears to have been on the Kevin Nolan diet. Otis will be pleased to know that Maynard and K-R swapped flanks to try their luck against the opposite fullbacks.

Vaz Te came on for Kazim-Richards at half time and looked very out of sorts. Moshni (who plays for Southend) replaced Cole in the second half. Hopefully Moshni will continue to play for Southend. Jordan Spence came on for Demel in the last 15 minutes.

I left the ground feeling very under whelmed. After each pre-season game, I fear for the new season a little more. For me there were only three players who put above average performances – Demel, Reid and Maynard.

I think I prefer ramshackle Layer Road to Colchester’s new stadium, which is in the middle of nowhere with insufficient parking. I had to drive to the station and catch a shuttle bus, which was a bit of a nuisance.

On a side note, I’m not sure if anyone on the site live in the area, but I was quite impressed with the countryside around Halstead, near where I was camping.