On behalf of myself, I would like to wish everybody a pleasant new year for 2016. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and followed me throughout a successful 2015, and here's to a happy new year for all of our sides.
2015 Highlights:
Ipswich Town
Ipswich's year began poorly, when they clocked up only eight wins, following an outstanding start to the season. Highlights included a 2-1 away win on Valentine's Day at relegated Fulham, to complete the double over the London club. Richard Chaplow scored in the closing moments to secure a valuable 1-0 win over Watford, who were promoted by May. Despite a 3-2 defeat at Blackburn on the final day of the season, they secured a play-off spot, where they faced rivals Norwich. A 1-1 home draw delighted fans and players, but a 3-1 defeat in the second leg saw Town's season come to a close. Town's 2015-16 season began with a 2-2 away draw at Brentford. However, they have collected points at home to relegated Burnley, away at Preston and at Doncaster in the early months. The Blues also payed a visit to English giants Manchester United in the League Cup, but exited with a 3-0 defeat. A low point of the season saw Town defeated 5-1 away at Reading, in front of the Sky television cameras. The year ended with five successive AWAY wins at Rotherham, Charlton, MK Dons, Fulham, and Brighton.
Biggest 2015 win: Doncaster 1-4 Ipswich (League Cup, 25 Aug), Rotherham 2-5 Ipswich (7 Nov), Charlton 0-3 Ipswich (28 Nov).
Biggest 2015 defeat: Reading 5-1 Ipswich (11 Sep).
Highest Scoring: Ipswich 4-2 Birmingham (24 Feb).
Colchester United
Colchester began the season with a 3-1 away defeat to Cardiff in the third round of the FA Cup. However, the U's beat Colchester, Leyton Orient, Oldham, and champions Bristol City in the opening months. The U's remained in the bottom half of the table throughout March to May, and were almost relegated. However, United clinched League One survival on the final day of the season, when they beat Preston at home, courtesy of George Moncur's late strike. Preston went on to be promoted that season. In November, boss Tony Humes departed the club after one win in nine games. Kevin Keen took the managerial role by the end of December, but guided the U's to defeats to rivals Southend, and Gillingham.
Biggest 2015 win: Wealdstone 2-6 (League Cup, 7 Nov), Colchester won 2-0 six times in the League.
Biggest 2015 defeat: Chesterfield 6-0 Colchester (14 Apr)
Highest Scoring: Colchester 4-4 Walsall (24 Oct)
Southend United
Southend fans can conclude 2015 has been successful. 4 defeats in the second half of the 2015-16 season lifted the Blues up to the play-offs, and only missed automatic promotion after a 3-1 defeat at Morecambe. The play-offs saw the Shrimpers draw 1-1 away at Stevenage, before beating the Boro 3-1 at Roots Hall. An exciting day out at Wembley, for the second time in three years, saw the Blues beat Wycombe Wanderers 7-6 on penalties to reach League One. Life started tough for the Blues in League One, where they were unable to pick up a win in August. But wins against Peterborough, Millwall, Scunthorpe and Crewe lifted the mood in camp, and by December, the Shrimpers planted a spot in the top half of the table. They faced Colchester at the Weston Homes Stadium, and ran out 2-0 winners against their Essex rivals. United ended the year with a 4-0 home defeat to Millwall - their heaviest defeat of the year.
Biggest 2015 win: Crawley 0-3 Southend (League Cup, 6 Oct), Oldham 2-5 Southend (24 Nov).
Biggest 2015 defeat: Southend 0-4 Millwall (28 Dec).
Highest Scoring: Oldham 2-5 Southend (24 Nov).
Braintree Town
Braintree have had a mixture of results throughout 2015. Excellent results for them includes an outstanding performance away at Torquay when they thrashed the Plainmoor side 5-1 in March. The Iron also beat Gateshead 1-0, Alfreton 2-1 and Southport. The Iron concluded the 2014-15 season with a 14th placed finish, with a 4-2 home win over Altrincham. In April, manager Alan Devonshire declined to sign a new contract which saw him depart Cressing Road after four seasons. Concord Rangers boss Danny Cowley took over as boss, a week later. The 2015-16 season began with defeat to Chester and Lincoln, but collected a 0-0 draw at relegated Tranmere. The Iron reached the FA Cup first round, following victory against Harlow Town, where they sent Oxford United to a replay at the Kassam Stadium, but were defeat 3-1, after a 1-1 home draw. The Cressing Road side concluded 2015 with a 1-0 away defeat at Boreham Wood on Boxing Day.
Biggest 2015 win: Torquay 1-5 Braintree (17 Mar), Altrincham 0-4 Braintree (19 Sep)
Biggest 2015 defeat: Wrexham 3-0 Braintree (18 Apr)
Highest Scoring: Halifax 3-6 Braintree (14 Nov)
AFC Sudbury
AFC Sudbury began the year, without a manager, and with a narrow 1-0 defeat to rivals Needham Market on New Year's Day. Jamie Godbold and Andy Reynolds joined the Yellows, becoming the new management staff, and beat Maldon 1-0 in their first match in charge. The Yellows had a successful start to 2015, with only four defeats throughout their whole season. They ended the season in 3rd place, and qualified for the play-offs, where they met Brentwood Town. The Suffolk side lost 4-1 on penalties, to complete a successful season. The summer saw change for AFC, with a 3G all-weather pitch installed. The new season began with a 5-2 victory over Romford. Despite early cup exits to Brightlingsea in the League Cup, and Felixstowe in the Suffolk Premier cup, Sudbury produced some excellent performances in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, including wins over Barton, Hendon, and Ware. Sudbury ended the year with eight successful wins, including wins over Harlow, Cray and Witham.
Biggest 2015 win: Sudbury 6-1 Great Wakering (24 Jan), Sudbury 5-0 Redbridge (18 Apr)
Biggest 2015 defeat: Thurrock 5-1 Sudbury (10 Oct), Sudbury 2-6 Cray Wanderers (22 Aug)
Highest Scoring: AFC Sudbury 2-6 Cray Wanderers (22 Aug)
Biggest 2015 win: Sudbury 6-1 Great Wakering (24 Jan), Sudbury 5-0 Redbridge (18 Apr)
Biggest 2015 defeat: Thurrock 5-1 Sudbury (10 Oct), Sudbury 2-6 Cray Wanderers (22 Aug)
Highest Scoring: AFC Sudbury 2-6 Cray Wanderers (22 Aug)