Colchester United will take a slender lead down to Devon for the second leg of the League Two play-off semi-final after a Cohen Bramall stunner gave them the win over Exeter City. The former Arsenal left-back beat goalkeeper Lewis Ward at his near post with a stunning free-kick in what was otherwise an uneventful first leg.
Cohen Bramall Stunner Gives Colchester United Advantage Against Exeter City
Both Team Struggle to Get Back into the Swing of Things
Neither of these teams had played for over three months and, with barely two weeks of training under their belts, the first half was tepid, to say the least. Bramall himself went the closest for either team, testing Ward with another dipping free-kick that the goalkeeper comfortably tipped over. Exeter’s only glimmer of an attempt at goal was an effort from Nicky Law which was well blocked by the Colchester defence.
The lack of any excitement was no surprise at all given that both teams know they will have to do this all over again on Monday. Preserving what little fitness they have at the moment for the second leg rather than using it in the first was vitally important and could prove to be the difference between who makes it to Wembley.
Bramall Proves to Be the Difference
A tactical change from manager John McGreal at half-time where he switched to a 4-4-2 put Colchester slightly on the front foot. It meant the U’s were getting into more attacking positions and that resulted in them being awarded the free-kick that led to the goal.
Exeter substitute Brennan Dickenson conceded a needless foul in the corner, leaving Bramall to stand over it. He bent the ball towards the near top corner and despite Ward getting a hefty touch on the ball, he could only help it over the line.
The goal was one of only two shots on target in the whole game – the other being Bramall’s first-half effort, showing what little quality was on display.
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