Mark Blake’s last-gasp own goal gifted ten-man Colchester United a priceless victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The commanding and cool centre back has been one of the brightest performers for Ian Branfoot’s side this season but he was hanging his head long after the final whistle after his costly late blunder meant Fulham had nothing to show for an afternoon of utter domination. With the score at 1-1, Blake misjudged a backheader towards Jim Stannard as he came under pressure from Paul Arahams and ended up diverting John Cheesewright’s hopeful long punt into his own goal.
The devastating denouement was far removed from the way Fulham had started the contest. They took the lead after five minutes when Tony Finnigan danced through the Colchester defence and his surging run was only brought to an end by the diving Cheesewright. The ball broke to Rory Hamill and the Northern Irish striker found the net with a low drive from close range.
Fulham could have had a second when Gary Brazil got the end of a long kick from Stannard but Cheesewright was equal to the experienced forward’s well-struck effort. Colchester had offered little going forward before they levelled matters against the run of play just after the half hour. Mark Kinsella hammered home a fine strike from the edge of the penalty area after Adam Locke’s cross was half cleared by Kevin Moore.
Locke was then sent off five minutes before the interval for bringing down Simon Morgan as the Fulham captain cantered through the Colchester defence and looked ready to pull the trigger. But Branfoot’s side laboured in the second half despite their extra man advantage and were forced to pay the ultimate penalty by Blake’s flustered clearance in the final minute.
FULHAM: Stannard; Jupp, Angus, Hurlock, Moore, Blake, Finnigan, Morgan, Cusack, Brazil, Hamill. Subs (not used): Harrison, Herrera, Mison.
GOAL: Hamill`(5).
COLCHESTER UNITED: Cheesewright; Betts, English, Dennis, Stoeman, Locke, Putney (Allpress 60), Brown (Abrahams 75), Whitton, Kinsella, Fry. Sub (not used): Emberson.
SENT OFF: Locke (40).
GOALS: Kinsella (31), Blake (o.g. 90).
REFEREE: Steve Dunn (Bristol).
ATTENDANCE: 4,243.
