Colchester United look to defend one goal lead over Exeter in EFL League Two second-leg

The game is still wide open between Colchester United and Exeter City with Cohen Bramall’s goal separating the sides in the first-leg.

Fourth and fifth go head to head yet again in a war which will see one of the teams progress to the League Two Play-off final at Wembley in late June.

The two sides are separated by one goal in this exciting contest. It was over 100 days that these teams experienced without competitive football and it showed in the lack luster game between the two sides.

Colchester were able to get the a crucial win at home after a beautiful Bramall free-kick flew into the top corner of the net,  catching Exeter goalkeeper Lewis Ward off guard gifting the win to the home side.

Team news

Both teams look to be fully fit with the only worry being Exeter City’s Lee Martin who left the pitch after 38 minutes due to injury.

Exeter City boss Matt Taylor spoke about what his team can improve on in time for the second-leg at St James’ Park.

“We just didn’t have it quite in our legs and to concede that set-piece was disappointing.

“I was actually pleased with our structure and our attitude – we have to improve in possession, we got in some really good positions. It was probably a game a little bit short of quality in attacking areas, but two honest teams and two very well-organised teams defensively.

“We got the positions, we got the opportunities to use the ball, we just weren’t quite slick enough or good enough in possession. Our attacking players worked their socks off but very rarely were they able to beat a Colchester player today.”

Colchester United manager John McGreal praised his team and especially Cohen Bramall’s performance after the first-leg.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in two weeks since coming back from lockdown.

“It was a brilliant free-kick. It was great technique by Cohen for the goal and that’s something that he works on in training.

“That’s what he can do and he’s shown that he can do that for us. He also played a big part defensively in dealing with Randall Williams.”