Colchester United Ladies FC

Both Colchester United Ladies sides overcame being reduced to ten players to earn vital away wins in the clubs dual promotion push.

The first team made the long trip to Somerset to face Keynsham Town, first half goals from Zoe Rushen and Emily Heaslip both courtesy of Kate Longhurst crosses gave Colchester a 2-0 half time advantage but a goal shortly after the interval got the hosts back in the game. Longhurst was again the provider for Rushen's second just after the hour mark but with 15 minutes remaining Keynsham again reduced the arrears to a single goal. The U's efforts to see out the game were made all the more difficult with ten minutes remaining when Heaslip was dismissed for a mis-timed tackle and then a full eight minutes of additional time compounded the task. A courageous rear guard action secured the vital three points though to stretch Colchester's lead at the top of the FAWPL South to five points.

Colchester's reserves faced a full hour with a player disadvantage away to Millwall Lionesses reserves, a 30th minute altercation between Femi Walker and the Millwall keeper resulting in a straight red card for the U's striker but somehow only a caution for the home side's protagonist. Colchester's class showed though as they were able to produce a 3-1 win despite the numerical inbalance and the victory moved them into second place which will see them promoted if they can hold onto the slot in their four remaining games.