Colchester United 0-0 Crewe Alex 24/25 Review - Almost Done

Time is running out. Running out for the management to find something resembling attacking instincts. For certain players who's future seem to in jeopardy at this club. And for them both to rediscover that winning feeling, which has become an increasingly rare memory over the last few months. But then there were plenty of things we've come to praise them for in Lee Bell's tenure which were on full display as well. In a lot of ways, this result and how it played out told the story of the Alex's season. A game mixed with positives, negatives and a horrendous EFL ref. Here is my break down of their not-so-good Friday down in Colchester:

Omissions

The big news at 2pm was the omission of several big names from the Alex's squad. Omar Bogle, Jack Powell and Ryan Cooney were all absent. Cooney was apparently playing for the U21s against Burnley, whilst there was no news on either Powell or Bogle. There is every chance that they were both injured, but if all 3 were excluded for performances issues, they can not complain. The worry is that whilst Cooney's Alex career looks to be coming to an ignominious end, Powell and Bogle are both under contract for another season. They, alongside a number of other players, aren't carrying much form into 25-26.

Express Yourself

It is always strange to hear the manager talking about players going out and expressing themselves, then naming a side almost totally devoid of expressive players. I get the likes of Holicek and Long weren't in a position to start, but why Agius, after his goal against Cheltenham, couldn't get a start, I don't know. Same for Thibaut. How you can name just 2 attackers in the starting XI and expect anything other than another poor attacking display, I don't know.

Screwed

EFL refs man. I don't know what either Scott Oldham or the 4th official saw in the coming together between Owen Lunt and Tom Flanagan. Because I couldn't see it. If Flanagan had been kicked, he'd have rolled on the grounds like a sack of spuds. Unsurprisingly gobshite Danny Cowley was screaming for a decision and it looks like he was able to convince the ref. Don't get me wrong, some reds the Alex have received were totally self inflicted, even Knight-Lebel's against Wimbledon. But this felt like a total farce and I hope the club appeal it.

And the funny thing was, Oldham was clearly trying to outdo himself in the dreadful decision stakes. Because his penalty against Knight-Lebel was arguably even worse. He falls to the ground and puts his arms out to stop himself face planting the pitch. Tovide kicks the ball against his outstretched arm. In what world is that a penalty? Thankfully justice was done as Arthur Read's poorly placed effort was easily saved, but Oldham officially enters the shit list. What an embarrassment of a performance.

Summed Up

There could be a lot of moments which sum up the Alex's season and why it's fallen short of what it could have been. But maybe the sub of Knight-Lebel for Lowery today can join the list of possibilities? In a season of odd decisions, this one was a particularly baffling one. I get the midfield were getting overrun and struggling to get on the ball.

But this was a game you needed to win. Taking off a CM for a CB doesn't help you in that respect. Yes, being down to 10 men makes winning the game very difficult, but this sub screamed "take the point". And doesn't that just sum up the Alex's whole season?

In Isolation

A 0-0 away at a tough to beat Colchester, where the ref was doing his level best to hand them the win, is impressive. A 16th clean sheet of the season and the incredible 2nd half effort with 10 men, is impressive. In isolation, this would be good point on the road against a fellow promotion chaser. But again, you can't help but feel a tinge of frustration that yet another game has come and gone where the Alex were very much in it, but lacked the quality needed to win. Which in itself has been the story in a lot of their games. You'll take the positives, but it does feel like time is almost up on the Alex's frustrating season.

Ref Assessment

A top 5 stinker this season. Which given the esteemed company he's in, is impressive.

Management Assessment

They can be pleased with the effort, desire and determination they got from their players after they looked checked out against Cheltenham. Still, the attacking issues and lack of positive mindset remain huge concerns against them. 4 wins and 16 goals scored in 19 games is the take away.

Player Assessments

Filip Marschall MOTM

He was helped out by the stout defence in front of him, but his saves, including the one for the penalty, put him over the top as my MOTM.

Connor O'Riordan

His shake of the head when Knight-Lebel came on was interesting. Does that speak to some frustrations from the players as to the managers current approach and set up?

Mickey Demetriou

A colossus at the back as he helped marshal them under severe pressure for the entire 2nd half. A close contender for the man of the match.

Zac Williams

Not much point piling on the guy, he was decent today defensively, but still picked up a needless yellow for his 13th of the season. He's now 2 away from a 3 game ban. Again, you have to ask if he'll ever grow up.

Lewis Billington

Solid on the right hand side, the yellow card aside. He seems like a nice lad, but if they were to move on in the summer, I wouldn't be too bothered.

Tommy Lowery

Tried his best, but the moment the red card came in he was on borrowed time. It's not him coming off I mind, it's who came on for him.

Owen Lunt

I really feel for him. I just don't see the red card offence. His legs seem to get tangled up with Flanagan's arms. I don't see a kick off or any violent conduct. I hope they appeal and get him available again for Monday.

Conor Thomas

Sigh. I've never hidden the fact that I don't particularly rate Thomas. But even if you do and think he's an invaluable member of the team, I don't understand the insistence on rushing him back and seeing him break down. You can not and should not be building a team around players like him, given his frequent spells on the sidelines. He should be a bench option only. When will Bell learn this?

Max Conway

After seeming to catch his 2nd wind in recent weeks, this was another tired performance from him. I get why they can't really rest him right now, but he's desperate for one at the moment. Still, his mazy run in the final minute did give me hope that they might snatch it.

Joel Tabiner

Nice to see him back, even if a nasty cut did force him off early into the 2nd half. Hopefully he can get patched up and be ready for Monday.

Kane Hemmings

Battled well against the Col U back line, but had little joy and became even more isolated in the 2nd half until he came off.

Subs:

Max Sanders

Not a lot he could do when there was seemingly no plan on how to actually hold onto the ball and make things happen.

Callum Agius

Same for him.

Chris Long

Same for him.

Jamie Knight-Lebel

Why he came on is one question, but he was both fortunate and unfortunate. He got away with a couple of calls, but the handball for the penalty was farcical.

Overall Verdict

Time is running out for the Alex. 3 games left and 4 points between them and Colchester in 7th. They will need 3 wins from their final 3 and a lot of other results to go their way to make the play-offs. Still, we are in the time of miracles and figures rising from the dead. Maybe the Alex can imitate Jesus Christ and do the same starting on Monday.