Merseyside | Lisbie strikes late to deny Tranmere opening-day victory

Colchester United 1 - 1 Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere Rovers were left frustrated on the opening day of the League Two season after a late equaliser from Kyreece Lisbie salvaged a draw for Colchester United.

Author | Sarah W

Stadium | JobServe Community Stadium

View from the stands in Colchester

Connor Jennings had given the visitors a deserved lead in the 15th minute, pouncing from close range after Cameron Norman rose well to nod the ball across the box.

Rovers nearly doubled their advantage when Nathan Smith’s glancing header drifted just wide of the far post. Omari Patrick also tested Colchester’s keeper with a dipping free-kick, though Matt Macey gathered comfortably.

Colchester threatened sporadically in the first half. Jaden Williams came closest, bending a low strike narrowly past Luke McGee’s upright.

After the break, the game lost rhythm, disrupted by a flurry of fouls and eight substitutions. Tranmere boss Andy Crosby handed competitive debuts to Taylan Harris and Jason Lowe, but momentum gradually shifted in the hosts’ favour.

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With just minutes remaining, Colchester’s pressure finally told. Lisbie latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area and curled a superb right-footed shot into the top corner, leaving McGee with no chance and denying Tranmere a winning start to their campaign.

Best reaction

One Tranmere fan told us: ""A decent match and performance on opening day for us. We created the better of the chances and took a deserved early lead. However, during the 2nd half, we lacked a bit of tempo. In the end, I'd have to say Colchester earned themselves a well‑deserved point.”

After the match, goalscorer Connor Jennings told Tranmere's website: "I think you've got to respect a point away from home as always. First game's always probably a bit cagey or scrappy, but I thought we looked really good at times, very solid as team. But obviously, probably a slight disappointment conceding late on, and then obviously, a bit disappointed in terms of maybe needing to be better on the ball, probably soaking up a bit too much pressure."