Colchester United cruised to a comfortable 5-2 win over Fulham at Layer Road this afternoon – virtually ending the Whites’ hopes of promotion from Division Three.
Ian Branfoot’s side had right back Duncan Jupp sent off and four men cautioned as their play-off push stalled in the face of vibrant Colchester attacking play. Skipper Simon Morgan gave Fulham the perfect start when he put the visitors in front after just five minutes, but the Cottagers were overwhelmed as reserve team goalkeeper Lee Harrison had been beaten four times by half time.
Michael Cheetham equalised within three minutes for the home side before Tony English put United ahead only three minutes later. Gus Caesar made it 3-1 before a double from Chris Fry either side of the interval made it a rout. Substitute Michael Mison pulled a goal back for Branfoot’s side with nine minutes to play, but this was a day to forget for the Londoners – who were totally outclassed.
COLCHESTER UNITED: Emberson; Kinsella, Betts, McCarthy, Caesar, Putney, Fry, English, Gibbs, Cheetham (Thompson 71), Whitton (Reinelt 80). Sub (not used): Cheesewright.
BOOKED: English.
GOALS: Cheetham (8), English (11), Caesar (18), Fry (34, 54).
FULHAM: Harrison; Jupp, Herrera, Hurlock (Mison 64), Moore, Blake, Marshall, Morgan, Cusack, Adams, Brazil (Cork 66). Sub (not used): Gregory.
BOOKED: Jupp, Cork, Adams, Hurlock.
SENT OFF: Jupp (72).
GOALS: Morgan (5), Mison (81).
REFEREE: Ken Leach.
ATTENDANCE: 3,448.
