Colchester United 2 Cheltenham Town 1

Last updated : 24 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Colchester United continued their excellent start to the season at the expense of visiting Cheltenham Town.

Craig Fagan set them on their way with a fine strike – his third of the season.

The former Birmingham City striker gave the defence the slip before firing into the far corner of the net from a narrow angle in the 12th minute.

Colchester, who were top of Coca Cola League One before Saturday's defeat at Chesterfield, netted a second goal in the 61st minute.

Ben Bowditch, who had appeared as a substitute just three minutes earlier, made an instant impression with a key role.

It was one touch football by the home side with Bowditch sliding the ball into the path of Joe Keith and he set up Gavin Johnson to drive home from eight yards.

Cheltenham had a glimmer of hope when Martin Devaney capitalised on poor marking to crash home a shot in the 70th minute.

The Robins had several chances to force an equaliser but they was denied by several smart saves from home keeper Aidan Davison.

Cheltenham had begun the evening looking to defend in numbers, while operating with just one striker in Steve Guinan.

The visitors also threatened when substitute Damian Spencer hit the post and Kayode Odejayi's follow up was well gathered by Davison.