Colchester United are back at home again this weekend after picking up another away win in their last league action.
Matt Bloomfield’s side left it late, but secured a 2-1 win on the road at Hartlepool United last weekend to cap off a fine January – no League Two side collected more points than the U’s through the first month of 2023.
A second goal in as many games from Fiacre Kelleher, and an own goal by Jamie Sterry secured the three points – a win that will give the U’s confidence heading into this weekend’s contest against ninth-placed Barrow.
With Sam Hornby and Ted Collins both side-lined until the end of the season, Tom Smith will likely be involved in the matchday squad for the first time on Saturday afternoon, after joining on loan from Arsenal.
The Opposition
In stark contrast to the U’s, Barrow come into the game with just one win in their last nine matches. Pete Wild’s side were challenging for the top three throughout the first half of the season, but their drop off in form has seen them fall out of the top seven altogether.
Nevertheless, they remain just two points behind seventh-placed Mansfield Town and will be targeting a return to winning ways this weekend, despite their heavy defeat to Cumbrian rivals Carlisle United in the week.
Wild’s team possess one of the better attacks in the division, having both the leading assist maker and fifth top scorer within their ranks.
Ben Whitfield (pictured below) has ten assists to his name in twenty-eight games this season – no player has more than the Barrow midfielder, with Whitfield also netting four times this campaign.
And with eleven league goals in twenty-seven games, Josh Gordon is one of the leading scorers in the division. But his form has tailed off over the last few weeks with just one strike in ten matches (all competitions), after missing the game against the U’s earlier in the season through suspension.
Other players to look out for amongst the Barrow squad include Billy Waters – the twenty-eight-year-old striker netted a hattrick against Matt Bloomfield’s side in Cumbria earlier in the season.
January arrival Elliot Newby signed for the Bluebirds from Stockport County and has been involved in the last four games for his new club; he could come up against his twin brother, Alex Newby, on Saturday afternoon.
Last Time We Met
It was a miserable night for the U's in their last game against Barrow. Billy Waters hit a hattrick to condemn the travelling side to defeat, with Freddie Sears on target in the last few minutes to get a consolation.
Ticket Info
Tickets are available to purchase from Col U Tickets - click HERE to get yours and support the U's against Barrow. Tickets are currently available at the ADVANCE rate - click HERE to see prices for the season.
Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day from the Club Shop, or online from Col U Tickets right up until kick off.
iFollow
If you can't make it to the game on Saturday, you can keep up with it via iFollow. Audio Passes (£2.50 each) are available to purchase for UK supporters, while those outside the UK can also purchase a Match Pass (£10 each). Click HERE to see what options are available for you.