COLCHESTER, England (Interstat) — Colchester United opened its League Two season with a commanding 4-1 win over Barnet on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at JobServe Community Stadium.

Midfielder Jack Payne led the rout with a second-half brace, scoring in the 77th and fourth minute of stoppage time. Arthur Read opened the scoring in the 39th minute before substitute Nnamdi Ofoborh doubled the lead just before halftime. Barnet’s lone reply came from a penalty.

The result defied a pregame projection of a 2-2 draw by Interstat, which gave Colchester a 74.5% probability to win. The home side improved to 1-0-0 in the league, while Barnet fell to 0-1-0. Six players received yellow cards in the match.