Five talking points from Colchester United's draw at Grimsby Town

Second-half scourge

IF Colchester United's four league games had ended at half-time, they would currently be sitting pretty at the top of League Two.

But matches are 90 minutes and long and unfortunately for the U's, the second-half goals they have conceded have proved costly so far.

All four of the league goals Colchester have scored so far have come in the first half.

But of the six they have shipped, all but one of them have come after the interval.

Last night's game at Grimsby Town was a case in point, where they went in at the break with a two-goal advantage only to concede twice after half-time to draw.

Indeed, they conceded in the 87th minute for the second successive match to drop points.

Fantastic Frank

FRANK Nouble doesn't usually score tap-ins - and his superb strike at Grimsby Town last night must be up there with the best he has scored in his career.

The former West Ham United youngster's delightful left-foot curled shot from the edge of the area was a moment of high quality and left Mariners keeper James McKeown with no chance.

Nouble was impressive for Colchester at Blundell Park particularly in the first half, when he also provided the assist for Luke Norris's strike on the stroke of half-time.

The experienced forward played in a more central role at times and gave the Grimsby defence plenty to think about.

The stresses of management

WHO would be a coach?

Colchester United boss John McGreal was understandably hugely disappointed after his side conceded a late goal to draw at Grimsby Town.

It had been a keenly-contested affair at Blundell Park with neither team giving an inch.

You could tell how much a win would have meant to both the U's head coach and his players and that came across, in his post-match interview.

It was tough luck on McGreal, especially as he had sent giant defender Omar Sowunmi prior to a late Grimsby free-kick, with the intention of combating their aerial threat.

The plan worked to a degree and on most occasions, a spontaneous shot from the edge of the area would either be blocked, saved or sail high and wide.

Unfortunately for the U's though, on this occasion Matt Green connected beautifully with the rebound and his shot flew into the net, leaving keeper Dean Gerken with no chance.

These things seem to happen more when things are not quite going your way.

Clampin's promise

ONE big positive to come out of Colchester United's trip to Grimsby Town was the mature performance produced by Ryan Clampin.

The 20-year-old left-back was impressive again, in what was only his second-ever Football League start for the U's.

He defended solidly, kept a calm head under pressure, made the right decisions at key times and also provided support for the U's attack.

Clampin is set to keep his place for the home game against Northampton Town this weekend and if he produces another similarly disciplined performance, Cohen Bramall will have a tough job on his hands reclaiming his place in the starting line-up.

Brilliant backing

NEARLY 150 Colchester United fans made the long midweek trip to Grimsby Town last night.

It was the fourth season running in which the U's have been handed a midweek league fixture, at Blundell Park.

They provided great support for their side throughout and it was a real pity that Grimsby's late equaliser denied them the joy of celebrating a win.

Nevertheless, it was a great effort and their commitment was even applauded by the home fans, who acknowledged the U's travelling contingent with warm applause when the attendance was read out during the second half.