Colchester leave it late to secure win at Mansfield

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2019 by PA

Two goals in nine minutes late in the game saw in-form Colchester United win 3-2 at Mansfield.

The visitors deserved the points and also had a penalty saved.

United keeper Dean Gerken’s one-handed save had kept out Andy Cook’s fourth-minute header.

But four minutes later they were ahead when Brandon Comley drilled a superb 30-yard effort into the top-right corner from a half-cleared corner.

The Stags drew level on 45 minutes as Mal Benning’s corner reached Ryan Sweeney for a close range tap-in.

Mansfield gifted United a penalty three minutes after the break after Benning tripped Kwame Poku, but Conrad Logan got across to his left to superbly keep out Frank Nouble’s kick.

After 64 minutes Logan tipped a powerful Callum Harriott shot onto his post.

But he could do nothing as Courtney Senior ghosted past two opponents to drill home in the 74th minute for a fine solo effort before Luke Gambin turned a loose ball into the net when Mansfield failed to clear Cohen Bramall’s left-wing cross after 87 minutes.

Omari Sterling-James placed fellow sub CJ Hamilton’s low cross into the net to briefly give the home side hope in stoppage time.