After defeat at home to Stockport a week ago, we are back on their travels this weekend when we head to Essex to face Colchester United, the first of three games over the coming week.
Simon Weaver’s side will also be looking to pick up a first win at Colchester having being defeated on all three trips since coming into the EFL.
Our opponents
After cycling through three managers in the 2022/23 season the U’s pulled away from relegation danger late in the season to finish in 20th position on 49 points.
The club added the likes of Mandela Egbo, Owura Edwards and Jay Mingi over the summer on permanent deals as well as adding Zach Mitchell, Joe Taylor and Mauro Bandeira on loan.
The U’s though come into the game on the back of four defeats and were defeated 5-0 last time out against Forest Green Rovers that left them outside of the bottom two on goal difference.
Previous meetings
Town fell to defeat in the first meeting between the sides last season. First half goals from Kwesi Appiah and Frank Nouble put the U’s two goals to the good at the break and despite Alex Pattison’s second-half strike it was not enough to prevent a 2-1 loss.
There was also defeat in the return fixture at The Envirovent Stadium as goals from John Akinde, Noah Chilvers and Junior Tchamadeu put the U’s 3-0 ahead before Luke Armstrong netted a late consolation.
The man in charge
Ben Garner took the U’s job late last season after Matt Bloomfield departed for Wycombe Wanders. Garner had previously had brief spells in charge of Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic.
The 43-year-old also had coaching roles at both Crystal Palace and West Brom.
Ones to watch
It is a young looking U’s squad this season with 20 year old Joe Taylor, on loan from Luton Town, leading the way with five goals as well as adding two assists. Teenager Samson Tovide has three goals to his name so far this season.
Town will go up against former defender Connor Hall, part of the side that earned promotion to the EFL as well triumphing in the FA Trophy.
Noah Chilvers, Jayden Fevrier and Arthur Read provide the creativity from midfield with Fevrier assisting on four goals so far in a promising start to his campaign.
History
A long-time member of the Football League for most of their existence, Colchester have found themselves in League Two since suffering relegation from League One in 2016.
They did though spend two years in the Championship between 2006 and 2008, achieving a highest finish of 10th place before being relegated to League One after the 2007/08 season.
Their all-time appearance holder is Micky Cook, who featured over 600 times for the club in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, whilst Tony Adcock netted 149 times across two spells in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Team news
Simon Weaver will hope to have Levi Sutton, Abraham Odoh and Rod McDonald all back in contention with the trio having missed recent weeks through injury.
