Pre-Season opens with Colchester defeat

City began their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Colchester United at Twerton Park this evening. The Romans took the lead on 11 minutes thanks to a stunning individual goal from Luke Spokes. After collecting the ball on the right touchline he cut inside, leaving several opponents in his wake, before firing an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner of the net. City continued to enjoy the better of the game against the League 2 side after this but with the last kick of the half they failed to clear the ball and a well-struck shot levelled the scores. Both sides fielded entirely different outfield line-ups after the interval and it was the visitors who benefitted most from the changes. Within six minutes they took the lead, Hutchinson converting Coxe’s cross from close range. Colchester were largely controlling the game now and went close to increasing their lead on a several occasions. However, as the half progressed Kitan Jaiyeoba’s direct running began to test the U’s backline. Alex Fletcher then did well to lift the ball past keeper Hornby but Chambers got back to deny the City striker. And it was Colchester who completed the scoring – once again with the final kick of the half – as a quick break saw an unfortunate City trialist deflect Hannant’s cross into his own net.