Let's be clear - I don't make a habit of missing Southend home games to watch Colchester - in fact, I've never done it before and I don't intend to do it again.  But, having been consigned to mid-table this season following a 4-0 reverse in Plymouth on Good Friday, Easter Monday seemed like a good time to turn my attention west.

It seemed an even better decision when I discovered my normal route to Roots Hall around the M25 was blocked, but a wet drive along the M4 gave way to drier conditions in Gloucestershire.

Now, much has been written about Forest Green's ground sitting high above Nailsworth.  All I'll say is that, yes, the hill is steep and it's a minimum of 15 minutes of brisk climbing from bottom to top, but it's worth parking lower down to avoid the congestion if you're up to the walk.

There's also been plenty written about FGR being vegan.  I'd say it's a bit like Marmite (also vegan) - love it, or hate it.  I tried it - a more than acceptable pint from the Stroud Brewery, some excellent Indian food on sale outside the north stand (and also available in the south stand where I was both before the game and at half time) and a veggie burger with crisp fresh salad within the ground.  Personally, I wasn't that impressed by the burger itself and would recommend the Indian option.  I also had a cup of tea, but opted to take that black, rather than sample the non-diary alternatives.  Go vegan for a couple of hours?  Why not - there's nothing to be scared of...

As for the football, Colchester took about 15 seconds to take the lead but were pegged back before half time.  When they did it again two minutes after the interval there was no way back for the home side and the visitors eased to victory.  A triumph for the battle hardened league side over the newcomers.  However, Forest Green showed enough to suggest they belong in League Two - and, based on my experience, I hope they stick around a little longer...

And what of Southend?  Well, they only scored four in the first half of a game for the first time in seven years and ran out 4-0 winners.  Even watching Colchester win can have a silver lining sometimes...