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Indeed, a drab 1-0 defeat against Carlisle United at Brunton Park on the fourth day of the year was a little more than a sign of things to come, and despite an away triumph at Shrewsbury Town ten days later - Jay Smith the first half goalscorer - United went an incredible thirteen consecutive away matches without grabbing a single point.
That run started - and ironically later ended - at Scunthorpe United with a 4-1 defeat but sandwiched in between were back-to-back home victories over Rochdale 1-0 (Tes Bramble) and Oxford United 2-1 (Rawle, Bramble). A thumping 3-0 home win over Hull City thanks to a Smith brace, one from the penalty spot, and another from Mark Rawle gave United a glimmer of a play-off chance but a disappointing 2-2 draw with lowly Bristol Rovers in early February was followed by a 3-0 defeat at Wrexham.
A great start against Rushden & Diamonds saw Rawle and Damon Searle put the Shrimpers two goals ahead within six minutes before eventually holding onto a 2-1 victory before further away defeats arrived at Macclesfield Town (1-2) and Kidderminster Harriers (0-1). Unfortunately the losing defeat was extended to five with home reverses against Swansea City (0-2) and Lincoln City (0-1) and an awayday defeat at Hartlepool United (1-2).
However, Leyton Oriemt were seen off at Roots Hall in late Match courtesy of striker Mark Salter's only goal for the Club, but despite the victory boss Rob Newman was fired two days later and Stuart Robson took over until a replacement could be found.
Robson couldn't turn around the side's form though and his first match in charge brought a 0-1 defeat at York City, but a 32-0 home win over Darlington (Maher, Jenkins) was notched up before United succumbed 0-1 at AFC Bournemouth.
Steve Wignall, the man who took Colchester United to Division Two in 1997-98, was announced as the new manager on April 15th, and all seemed rosy as Torquay United were easily despatched of 3-0 with a brace from Rawle and another from Neil Jenkins giving the Shrimpers an easy victory.
However, Wignall's new men could only muster one goal from their final three matches and a 1-2 home defeat - a record tenth - to Bury (Cort) was sandwiched by 0-1 defeats at Boston United and Exeter City, with the latter still finding themselve relegated after that final game, Shrewsbury Town joining the Grecians in the Conference.
Part Two tomorrow...
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com