Five talking points from Colchester United's 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle

Looking for a clinical edge

THERE was little wrong with Colchester United’s attacking intent at Plymouth Argyle.

It was perhaps just the execution that was missing.

The new season is only two games old and it would be more worrying if the U’s were not threatening their opponents’ goal.

But that is not the case; they had more efforts on goal than their hosts at Home Park.

They just need more of a clinical edge and they will be confident that will come in time.

Super support

MORE than 200 Colchester United fans made the long trip down to Devon to cheer their side on, on Saturday.

It was magnificent support and they were naturally as disappointed as the club’s players and staff by the final whistle at Home Park, having seen their side slip to a 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

But the positive reaction they gave at the final whistle as the U’s players walked past them and towards the changing rooms suggested that the main consensus was their team had played well without any reward.

Colchester came away empty handed but those at the ground saw that they were unfortunate not to take something from the match.

A big miss

BEN Stevenson played well after coming in for his first start of the new season.

But as was the case in the final few months of the last campaign, there is no doubt that Harry Pell is missed when he is not in the team.

It is not only his influence on the ball; it is also his midfield presence and leadership qualities that make him the player he is.

He missed the game at Plymouth Argyle due to tendonitis and Colchester United will be hoping he will back soon…and back to his best.

Keeping Kane

IT is perhaps no real secret that Kane Vincent-Young came close to leaving Colchester United, before the transfer window closing for Premier League and Championship clubs, last week.

The talented U’s full-back had been linked with a move to Luton Town and Charlton Athletic, prior to the deadline passing.

Without doubt, Vincent-Young deserves his chance to play at a higher level and he will undoubtedly do that soon in his career.

Nevertheless, it is a big boost for Colchester that he is still at the club, at least for a few more months.

Cup of opportunity

JOHN McGreal was a little reluctant to talk about his side’s midweek Carabao Cup tie against Swindon Town, in the immediate aftermath of the Plymouth Argyle defeat.

The Colchester United head coach was understandably disappointed after his side’s 1-0 loss but after he has had time to digest his side’s defeat, he will switch focus to a cup-tie that has the potential to provide a springboard to kick-start the new season.

A good win and performance against the Robins will be a huge confidence boost and will be perfect preparation for a big derby clash with Cambridge United, next weekend.