Colchester Held In League One Return
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COLCHESTER UNITED 1 (Dickenson 23) MK DONS 1 (Potter 82)
Colchester began their League One return with a 1-1 draw against a strong MK Dons side this afternoon, United's only goal coming from winger Brennan Dickenson.
On a hot and humid day at The Weston Homes Community Stadium, 7,225 (including 1,675 away fans) packed into the ground to witness the clubs immediate return to the division. The game saw a number of Summer signings be handed their debuts, Lawrie Wilson, Sean Kavanagh and Paul Digby (before being substituted off in the 68th minute,) all started.
Ahead of the game Colchester secured Bradley Fewster's services for a second season as he extended his loan spell until the end of the season. The 21 year old grabbed 22 goals in 33 games last season, most coming towards the latter end of the season as United won the League Two title.
MK Dons were the side most threatening early on in what proved to be a scrappy afternoon in the first half. A long range effort from Reiss Nelson was comfortably stopped by Dean Brill, who remained inbetween the sticks for United despite being subject to a move back to Scotland in recent weeks. Not long later the opening goal came, Bradley Fewster's shot was deflected into the path of Brennan Dickenson who's shot found the top right hand corner of the goal.
The goal was just his third for the club, after scoring two goals in 32 games last season after signing from Gillingham on a free.
The visitors had shown nothing to suggest they were to challenge the opening goal as the game proved to be a midfield battle throughout, with both sides struggling to string passes together and form an attack of any sort until Kieran Agard forced his way into the box but was unable to find the target with his shot from just outside the area.
United looked set for the three points – a perfect way to restart life back in League One; until Sean Murray's clearance was hoofed back into the box by defender Joe Walsh, prompting Brill to rush to collect the ball however a lack of communication saw debutant Ajayi, who replaced Digby, head the ball straight to Darren Potter who smashed the ball into an empty net.
Both sides pressed for a winner however were kept out by two defences who will be pleased with their performances overall. Colchester will now face Aston Villa at home again on Tuesday night in the Capital One Cup.
Colchester United: Dean Brill, Lawrie Wilson, Luke Prosser, Paul Digby (Semi Ajayi 68,) Sean Kavanagh, Sean Murray, Tommy O'Sullivan, Thomas Lapsile, Brennan Dickenson, Drey Wright (Donal McDermott 60,) Bradley Fewster.
Substitutes not used: Sam Walker, Tom Eastman, Vlad Dragomir, Eddie Nketiah, Chris Porter.
MK Dons: David Martin, George Baldock, Scott Wooton, Joe Walsh, Dean Lewington, Darren Potter, Connor McGrandles (Ed Upson 55,) Jonathan Leko (Daniel Powell 71,) James Maddison, Reiss Nelson, Nicky Maynard (Kieran Agard 65.)
Substitutes not used: Lee Nicholls, Paul Downing, Oran Jackson, Dean Bowditch.
Referee: L.Sawbey
Attendence: 7,225