IT'S back and although its not quite live, due to the ban on fans with the Covid-19 situation, last weekend saw the U’s finally start the EFL League Two season.

They played out a 0-0 draw in a game that they more than matched Bradford, a team you see time and time again in the predictions for promotion.

Granted, it is early days but not all doom and gloom that was anticipated in some circles.

I know people seem to feel that in my eyes the club can do no wrong and that I’m a PR mouthpiece for Robbie Cowling but it’s not a case of simply just blindly agreeing; it is something I personally believe.

Football fans are opinionated and always open to debate and discussion, it is what makes the match day environment all the more fun.

Right now, I feel that all the decisions being made are the right ones, as for some it may be perceived as a lack of ambition and being happy in League Two.

But I feel that the bigger picture right now is more longer term.

The things being put into place may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but are for the safeguarding of the future of Colchester United.

I’m sure we can all agree that it is better to have a club and disagree, rather than no club at all.

Back to the present and from Saturday I was pleased to see the passion in the way we played.

Newly-promoted club captain Harry Pell put in a performance wearing his heart on his sleeve.

Dean Gerken made a number of key saves and played his way into the EFL League Two team of the week.

New signing Tommy Smith sure set the tone with his initiation display the night before, something the whole team should look to practice as part of their pre-game ritual.

On the tactical side, it was refreshing to see the subs being made in a positive way.

We didn’t just sit and try to hold on for a point, but rather we tried to nick the win.

Although it didn’t materialise it was good to see this is the new mindset in the camp and we will be pushing teams all the way.

The players finished the game with a slight appearance of disappointment over not getting all three points, another positive sign.

I have however been around football long enough to know, that no matter how positive the first game, or even the first few games are, it is a long season and all these points still need to be built upon along with cracks ironed out.

One thing that I will never get used to is watching Colchester United play football via an internet stream, instead of in person.

It was a funny feeling, that I’m sure a lot of those who normally travel to away games felt waking up with no need for an early alarm and jumping in the car to hit the road.

With the match permits now on sale, all being well this weekend's home game against Bolton will be the only time we can not watch the lads on home turf, with fans, fingers crossed, being allowed in from October onwards although I can’t see any away day on the cards for some time.

Just being able to go to the home games will be a massive boost and I’ll look forward to seeing as many as possible in our socially-distanced stands in the not so distant future.

Up the U’s.