and then Championship sides Sheffield United and Derby County. José Mourinho's Chelsea side had been assembled for around £225m, while Colchester United's squad had a value of approximately £150,000. More than 6,000 U's fans travelled to the game and were given an early treat when the underdogs took the lead through a Ricardo Carvalho own goal in the 28th minute. Paulo Ferreira equalised ten minutes later as the sides went into half time with the score level. At half time, Mourinho made two changes, introducing star players Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. He then sent on Hernán Crespo with the score still level up until the 79th minute when Cole struck to give Chelsea the lead. He added a second in the final minute of the game to hand the hosts a 3–1 victory. The U's again reached the area final of the Football League Trophy, but lost over two legs to eventual winners Swansea City. In the closing stages of the season, Colchester returned to winning ways and to the automatic promotion places with four games remaining. Wins against AFC Bournemouth and Rotherham United meant United only had to secure a draw in their final game of the season at Yeovil Town. The U's nervously held on to a 0–0 draw to gain promotion to the Championship, finishing the campaign behind leaders and rivals Southend United. Southend had beaten Colchester twice over the course of the season as they finished three points shy of the title. Players Transfers In Total spending: ~ £0 Out Total incoming: ~ £0 Loans in Loans out Match details League One League table Results round by round Matches Football League Cup FA Cup Football League Trophy Squad statistics Appearances and goals |- !colspan="16"|Players who appeared for Colchester who left during the season |} Goalscorers Disciplinary record Clean sheets Number of games goalkeepers kept a clean sheet. Player debuts Players making their first-team Colchester United debut in a fully competitive match. See also List of Colchester United F.C. seasons References General Books Websites Specific 2005-06 2005–06 Football League One by team