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Colchester United U18 v Barnet U18

10.30am  14 December 2013

Football League Youth Alliance, South East Conference
Colchester United U18 4 Barnet U18 0 (att 39)

Another ground ticked off in my quest to see a match at every professional academy venue in England, or at least it would have been if Colchester had used the main pitch at their new Florence Park training ground in Tiptree.

The main pitch, nearest the impressive two storey pavilion, was too wet, so this game was switched to an outer pitch, running parallel to a pitch staging the under 16s fixture between Colchester and Barnet. I gives me a extra "ground", but the early morning start needed to get from Manchester to Essex for a morning game isn't something to look forward to.

This time I was staying overnight not far away, so it was an easy journey to Tiptree, where Colchester have built a large training ground.

Their under 18 side currently lead the Youth Alliance's South East Conference, and had no difficulty in seeing off Barnet's youngsters. The first half was quite even, with Colchester going into the break with a one goal lead they just about deserved.

But the home side were much better early in the second half, scoring three quick goals to put the outcome beyond doubt. The only surprise was that they didn't add more goals.

Teamsheets used to be common at youth team games, but as clubs become increasingly wary of making life too easy for predatory scouts they've become scarce. Not so at Colchester, where as well as teamsheets there's also an official programme and an unofficial "fanzine", all available free of charge.







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