U's fans will be back in the stands for the first time since February on Saturday evening, as Grimsby Town visit the JobServe Community Stadium.
Manager - Ian Holloway
Top Scorer(s) - Owen Windsor, Montel Gibson, James Tilley, Matt Green (2)
Last Result - Grimsby Town 1-4 Exeter City 01/12/2020
It will be a welcome return to the stands for Colchester United fans as they are able to attend a game at the JobServe Community Stadium this weekend for the first time in 280 days.
They will be watching a Colchester United side that have been unbeaten at home in the league, taking five wins from a possible seven in north Essex.
The opponents on Saturday will be Grimsby Town, who were one of the last visitors to the stadium before the season was brought to an early halt in March. In that game, the U's were defeated 3-2, so will feel like it is time to get one over on the Mariners.
Ian Holloway is in charge at Blundell Park, but has yet to see his side really perform this season, sitting eighteenth in the table, with fifteen points from eight games. Their season has been disrupted after having games postponed due to Coronavirus, but they are still below where many people expected to see them.
The Grimsby boss is excited for the game against Colchester United, when he will see people in the stands for the first time this season.
"It'll be great to see some football people coming into the ground, although they'll hate us, but who cares!" - Ian Holloway
"Without the passion of the fans, even if it’s only home fans, it’s not the same, and the game itself is an emotional game, it’s a wonderful game to be part of.
“There’s ups and downs all the time, so the passion you get from it, for me there’s nothing like it.
“At the moment, it’s passionless - we’re trying to make it real, but it doesn’t feel real, so I’m totally up for letting people be brave enough to go into the grounds."
Last time out they were defeated 4-1 at home by Exeter City, with the visitors racing into a 3-1 lead before half time, with Luke Hendrie finding the net for the home side.
In their previous game they overcame Crawley Town on the road after Max Watters had put the Red Devils ahead. Goals from Matt Green and Max Wright turned the game on its head as the Mariners went home with all three points.
Prior to this victory, Holloway's side had been without a win in four, seeing defeats to Tranmere, Hull, Leicester U21s and Dagenham and Redbridge, with three of those losses coming in cup competitions.
If you aren't coming to the game, you can watch the U's live with a £10 match pass from iFollow, click HERE to get yours.
Programmes are available for this weekend's game, click HERE to get yours.
Face masks MUST be worn on arrival to the stadium until you are in your seat. It is advised that you wear your mask during the game, although you are allowed to remove it if you wish.