TH takes his now resurgent U’s to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday for another vital league one fixture.
Despite our recent excellent form the U’s still remain second bottom, but such is the state of the table that only four points separates 15th to 23rd and a win by two clear goals tomorrow would see the U’s overtake their opponents.
Walsall 40 -6 48
Port Vale 41 -10 48
Coventry 41 -11 47
Scunny 40 -12 47
Crawley 41 -20 47
Orient 40 -3 46
……………………….
Crewe 41 -33 46
Notts Co 40 -13 45
COL U 40 -14 44
Yeovil 41 -36 33
This season it may well be that with only Yeovil so far cut adrift, a minimum 53 points will be needed to survive.
Incredibly with 10 clubs still in contention for the play offs, only Barnsley, Doncaster, Oldham, Gillingham and Yeovil out of the 24 clubs have nothing to play for with either 5 or 6 games still to play.
Now the U’s recent run of good form has coincided with the arrival of Jacob Murphy and Bongani Khumalo but Gavin Massey and George Moncur have also chipped in with valuable contributions.
TH also has Matthew Briggs available after suspension but I rate Richard Brindley highly and he may remain at full back in a virtually unchanged side for tomorrow’s key match.
After Coventry, the U’s travel to Chesvegas then another six pointer at home to the Iron before the key final week with a visit to the Cod Army at Fleetwood before two tough games against the Robins and the Lilywhites at the now fast becoming Fortress WHCS.
There can be no complacency however, the job is not finished yet. At least three further victories are required, but Colchester have form and momentum at the most valuable of times, the business end of the season.
TH will be reluctant to make changes to a winning team. Fox looks unlikely to figure with his foot injury. The pressure is all on Coventry (who have yet to win at home under Tony Mowbray) and despite their illustrious pedigree are definitely not immune from relegation. At present no-one up to and including Walsall is safe from the drop. TH cannot take the U’s feet off the pedals, they must look to keep the impressive run of results going.
Recently though the U's have been playing to something like their potential and have deservedly cut the gap and given themselves the chance to escape the dreaded drop. More effort is required tomorrow to maintain this great run.
The three teams who fail to perform in these key games will be those who join the Glovers in league two. TH and the players are keen to ensure that the U's survive another year. Goal difference could also still be important.
Team 4, 5, 1 formation:
Walker
Brindley Khumalo Eastman Wynter
Massey Lapslie Moncur Gilbey Murphy
Porter
Subs:
Lewington Briggs Vincent-Young Szmodics Bonne Sembie-Ferris Healey
Tickets have been selling well and the U’s faithful could well number 600 for this key match. Last time that I went to the Ricoh we drew 2-2 and the faithful were situated in the corner of the South Stand. Whilst the view was ok it would be better tomorrow to have access to all sections 6, 7, 8 and 9 which will take us closer to behind the goal. The Ricoh holds 30,000 but will probably be a third full.
Safe journey to all travelling U’s fans. Let us hope that it is the Barside Boys making all the noise at 4.50pm.
Keep the faith, bring it on.
Up the U's
 |  |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
