Colchester United Secure Pre-Season Draw Against West Ham United XI
Colchester United played out a second successive pre-season 2-2 draw against West Ham United's youngsters. The U's continued their preparations for the new League Two season with a draw against the Hammers, with Milton Oni netting for the second game running and new signing Sean Raggett also on target at the JobServe Community Stadium.
What Happened?
Colchester United started the second half looking for a response after falling behind just before half-time. They found it in the minutes that followed the break when Raggett was able to head home at the back post from Jack Payne's free-kick. And the U's completed a quick turnaround when Oni finished calmly into the bottom right-hand corner from Payne's pass, to score for the second successive match.
Why it Matters for Colchester
The draw continues Colchester's preparations for the new League Two season, with the U's now on a 2-game winning run. The team has scored 62 goals this season, with 49 conceded, and is currently 21 points behind leaders Bromley in the title race.
What Comes Next?
A young Colchester team travel to play National League South side Braintree Town on Saturday, while the first-team squad are back in pre-season action next Tuesday when they host Championship side Charlton Athletic at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Key Players
Milton Oni and Sean Raggett were on target for Colchester United in the pre-season draw against West Ham United XI. Oni has now scored for the second successive match, while Raggett made his mark with a header at the back post.
League Standing
Colchester United finished 12th in League Two last season, with 66 points from 46 games. They are currently on a 2-game winning run and have scored 62 goals this season, with 49 conceded.
And the U's made a plethora of changes on the hour mark, sending on the likes of Jake Leake, Ronnie Harvey, Sam Kuffour Jr and Rob Hunt. But with 10 minutes to go, West Ham levelled through Jett Murphy, who netted following a scramble in the box. Hammers substitute Andre Dike's shot from the edge of the area was held well by Colchester's trialist keeper while with seconds remaining, Landers found himself through on goal only to curl his effort wide of the U's goal, as the game ended in a draw.
