WXGill: Gillingham 2-1 Colchester Utd

I was not sure what to expect as League One Football seems so long ago but Colchester soon reminded me. I think the win was not a fair reflection of the game.

Colchester were a good solid unit with no real frills. When the goal came it was no surprise as they seemed very quick to break. What worried me is that Danns scored unchallenged. There was a hint of offside and if it was I was surprised the assistant, Joe Ross, was keen on flagging all afternoon. What a shame he was relegated from referee to assistant due to lack of effective performances last season. I also noticed that Danns spent the whole afternoon appealing for everything.

I think Colchester wasted a string of chances to score and think we were lucky to only concede one in the end.

I noticed that keeper Davison was very slow to get the game going when they were 1-0 up but suddenly sped-up when we equalised.

When Spiller (what was he doing starting the game as a forward?) crossed the ball in Crofts really placed the header in the corner with the deftest of touches.

I was encouraged by the performance of Jarvis when he entered the fray. He worried the defence to death. Can we afford to start him though?

Byfield's goal was a great finish but I thought he lost the ball too easily for the best part of the 90. His booking for abusing the assistant on the Priestfield Road side was pointless. Will professionals learn?

The bit I saw of Shields was good. He really passes the ball well. Once he's match fit he could be a good capture.

As far as the overall picture is concerned I think we need Spiller back in midfield, a fit non-exhausted Pouton, Roberts out of the club and 2 new strikers in.

Jason Brown made 2 vital saves and therefore made sure we got the 3 points. With the imminent transfer of Banks we'll need him to push Bullock for first place on the team sheet.

7/10

Referee Joslin was fussy and was not helped by the comedian on the bench side. He blew endlessly and was a pain.

6/10