The Opponent: Colchester United
Every time I hear the word Colchester I think of the coldest and most soul less of all the new build grounds I have been too. My last visit was an FA Cup tie I believe, Matt Ritchie scoring the only goal of the game and celebrating in front of the frozen 500 odd that made the long journey to Essex. There was not a pub for miles if memory serves, parking was rubbish and the stewards all reminded me of Phil Mitchell wannabes. Colchester itself had very little to offer on the way home apart from the road out, which seemed to go on forever. I hate to think how I would recall the place had we lost that cold day. Apart from a military prison, Blur, all round prick Darren Day and Dermot O’Leary there really isn’t a great deal to say about the place. Colchester is said to be the oldest recorded town in Britain and even served as the provincial capital of Roman Britain. Back in 2004, an exploration team found the remains of a chariot race track underneath a Colchester garrison, the only ever find of its kind in The UK to this day. The chav population of this particular part of Essex is rather less than that of Basildon and Romford, with just 1 chav in every 4 Colcestrians.
Last Time Out – Colchester 2 Chesterfield 1: Colchester extended their unbeaten league run after coming from behind to beat Chesterfield. Sam Clucas fired past Sam Walker from close range to put the visitors in front inside a minute. Substitute Rhys Healey made an immediate impact when he equalised with a fine finish from Sanchez Watt's pass, as the U's looked to fight back. Freddie Sears fired into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area to seal the win for the home side.
Starting XI - Walker, Hewitt, Kent (Okuonghae), Eastman, Clohessy, Moncur (Healey), Fox, Gilbey, Masset, Sears, Watt.
They have served us both – Martin Williams, Michael Smith, Kevin Watson, Jon Sheffield, Mark Yeates, Tony Thorpe, Keith Scott, Lloyd Opara, Richard McKinney, Andy King, Jamie Cureton, Roy Bicknell, Ray Bunkell, Will Dixon, David Prutton (served is a little kind), Tom McAlister, John McLaughlin, Jordan Pavett, Paul Roberts, Ian Culverhouse, Johnnie Jackson, John McClelland, Walter Nunn, Andy Petterson, Michael Rose.
One From The Past –. January 17th 2004: Swindon Town 2 Colchester 0. Just over 6000 turned up to witness a straight forward victory for Town with goals from Sam Parkin in the 1st half and Tommy Mooney just after the break leaving us in 6th place after 27 games.
The Odds – Swindon 10/11 Draw 12/5 Colchester 10/3
The Son Says – Did his birthday party at Futsal this year, thoroughly recommend it if you like that sort of thing. 2-0 easy victory.
The Prediction – I think we really should have a bit too much for Colchester, they are on a decent run but we will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday night. 1-0 win, late Williams goal.
And Finally – Since 2006, Colchester has been one of only 12 places in the UK where Royal Salutes are fired to mark Royal anniversaries and visits by foreign heads of state. From 2009, these salutes have taken place in Castle Park
