JM and his beleaguered charges embark upon two season defining fixtures starting today. First the Exiles under Mike Flynn come to Town and then on Tuesday evening Mark Cooper brings his Green Devils to the Fortress that is the JobServe Community Stadium.
After last night’s results the U’s know that six points are the only requirement from these two home games.
Lincoln 36 72 +28
Bury 36 67 +29
Mansfield 35 64 +25
MK Dons 35 62 +22
Tranmere 36 58 +9
Exeter 35 55 +11
FGR 35 54 +16
COL U 35 54 +14
Carlisle 35 53 +9
Those 11 key fixtures:
Newport H
FGR H
Exeter A
Tranmere H
Cambridge A
Oldham H
Bury A
Grimsby H
Yeovil A
MK Dons H
Lincoln A
The Swindon defeat was every bit as poor as the overall performance, it has breathed fresh life into the Wiltshire team and disturbingly has sown fresh doubts into all but the most ardent U’s fans that we could yet face another season in the basement league (not an appealing thought). It would also see a mass exodus of players and then the need for a rebuild would be a necessary fact.
But we must show belief that the U’s can garner the points required to secure a play off spot as a minimum. Realistically we need another 27 points from those 33 on offer to secure an automatic place, anything less and it is then the lottery of the Play Offs or the unthinkable mid table obscurity.
This then is the task for the U’s starting with the maximum today against Cup giantkillers Newport County. I once saw Colchester demolish County 5-0 at Layer Road in 1977. What the faithful would give today for a similar result.
There is no doubt that the injury to Harry Pell has impacted in a big way on JM’s team. Pell was at times unplayable and we miss his combative style and midfield dominance. Ben Stevenson is an outstanding player and it is unfortunate that his midfield player is not yet fit to play. The reliable but inexperienced Diaz Wright will play alongside Stevenson today.
For years Colchester have had a succession of impressive Goal Keepers from Walker (Mike) to Aidan Davidson there have been some real gems. Rene Gilmartin’s performance last week was woeful and things can only get better today for both him and the team.
JM is missing Pell, Comley and Lapslie, he has other options within the squad, but HP is a huge loss.
So today:
Gilmartin
Jackson Kent Prosser Vincent-Young
Senior Stevenson Wright Dickenson
Szmodics
Norris
Subs:
Barnes Eastman Eisa Roberts Nouble Mandron Gondoh
The Colchester weather today will see gusty winds with a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius and sunny intervals. Having woken up to snow showers in Durham, it is at least now beginning to melt away with some sunshine.
The faithful will be able to judge whether we have the ability to rekindle our promotion hopes after today and Tuesday night.
Failure is not an option.
PS, a handsome home victory is long overdue, perhaps today we can achieve not only three points but also an impressive scoreline.
Enjoy the game
Up the U’s
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