Colchester United progressed in the BBC Essex Senior Cup with a 2-0 victory over Maldon & Tiptree at the JobServe Community Stadium. Goals from Leon Chiwome and Jaden Williams secured the win for a side managed by under-21 boss Elliott Ward, offering a positive note amid a League Two campaign that sees the club 19th with 10 points from nine games.
Chiwome opened the scoring after just eight minutes, finishing from close range. Williams doubled the advantage in the 35th minute, curling a shot from 20 yards that the goalkeeper could only push into the net. The U's lineup included first-team squad members Ben Perry, Frankie Terry and Adrian Akande, providing valuable minutes for players on the fringes.
How the match unfolded
Colchester controlled much of the tie and saw a goal from Makise Evans ruled out for offside. Maldon & Tiptree goalkeeper Sebastian Thrussell was busy, pushing an early Akande shot around the post and denying Chiwome again after the hour mark. The visitors' best chance came late when substitute Charlee Hughes forced a save from Oscar Roberts, but Colchester held firm. The match was watched by 304 spectators, with 102 making the trip from Maldon.
Ward was pleased with the blend of experience and youth. "First teamers feature for Colchester in BBC Essex Senior Cup win over Jammers," he said. The result provides a welcome boost ahead of a return to league action, where the team's recent form reads LDDLD with no wins in five.
This story first appeared at BBC Essex
Former Colchester forward Matt Jay has been appointed Head of Youth at Torquay United. The 30-year-old, who left the U's in 2025, will combine the role with his playing duties after signing a contract extension until 2028. Torquay stated the appointments strengthen the club's youth pathway. Colchester, 19th in League Two, face Exeter City next.
