Match ends, Cambridge United 2, Colchester United 1.
CambridgeCambridge United2ColchesterColchester United1
Cambridge's first League Two victory in six matches was overshadowed after a small number of spectators booed as the players took the knee before kick-off.
A Paul Mullin double helped Cambridge climb above opponents Colchester, who pulled a goal back through Michael Folivi's second-half penalty, and into the play-off places after the 2-1 win.
However, when players from both teams took the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement for the first time at the Abbey Stadium this season, boos were clearly audible, with fellow spectators quickly responding by applauding before the contest got under way.
After Jack Iredale's overhit cross clipped the top of the crossbar, Colchester goalkeeper Dean Gerken ensured his team went in level at half-time.
He tipped Idris El Mizouni's free-kick over just before the break and, from the resulting corner, made a superb save to keep out Harry Darling's header.
Gerken was left helpless when Cambridge broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Luke Hannant's free-kick was headed home by Mullin.
Mullin's second of the night, his 18th goal of the season, came 15 minutes later as he tapped in an effort from strike partner Harvey Knibbs which was heading wide.
The visitors reduced the deficit only three minutes after as substitute Folivi converted from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Darling.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
Line-ups
Cambridge
Formation 4-4-2
- 25Burton
- 2Knoyle
- 16Cundy
- 6Darling
- 3Iredale
- 7Hannant
- 4DigbyBooked at 79mins
- 5Taylor
- 18El MizouniSubstituted forDaviesat 89'minutes
- 10MullinSubstituted forIronsideat 90'minutes
- 26Knibbs
Substitutes
- 1Mitov
- 9Dallas
- 17Davies
- 19May
- 20Ironside
- 27Worman
- 28Neal
Colchester
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Gerken
- 2Welch-HayesSubstituted forTchamadeuat 71'minutes
- 18Eastman
- 5Smith
- 3BramallSubstituted forClampinat 83'minutes
- 24Stevenson
- 26GambinSubstituted forFoliviat 59'minutes
- 11Harriott
- 23Poku
- 7SeniorBooked at 17minsSubstituted forChilversat 59'minutes
- 9NorrisSubstituted forBrownat 59'minutes
Substitutes
- 6Sowunmi
- 10Brown
- 14Chilvers
- 21Clampin
- 29George
- 38Tchamadeu
- 39Folivi
- Referee:
- Kevin Johnson
- Attendance:
- 1,949
Match Stats
Home TeamCambridgeAway TeamColchester
- Possession
- Home45%
- Away55%
- Shots
- Home16
- Away7
- Shots on Target
- Home7
- Away2
- Corners
- Home4
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home15
- Away10
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Cambridge United 2, Colchester United 1.
Post update
Foul by Ben Stevenson (Colchester United).
Post update
Luke Hannant (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Offside, Cambridge United. Kyle Knoyle tries a through ball, but Joe Ironside is caught offside.
Post update
Foul by Thomas Eastman (Colchester United).
Post update
Harvey Knibbs (Cambridge United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Ryan Clampin (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Joe Ironside (Cambridge United).
Substitution
Substitution, Cambridge United. Joe Ironside replaces Paul Mullin.
Substitution
Substitution, Cambridge United. Leon Davies replaces Idris El Mizouni.
Post update
Tommy Smith (Colchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Foul by Jack Iredale (Cambridge United).
Post update
Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Jack Iredale.
Post update
Corner, Cambridge United. Conceded by Tommy Smith.
Substitution
Substitution, Colchester United. Ryan Clampin replaces Cohen Bramall.
Post update
Foul by Tommy Smith (Colchester United).
Post update
Harvey Knibbs (Cambridge United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Booking
Paul Digby (Cambridge United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
Jevani Brown (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
