Colchester United are back at home this weekend to take on Stockport County in Sky Bet League Two action.
Ben Garner will be in the dugout for the first time as the new U’s Head Coach, alongside new assistant and goalkeeping coaches, Scott Marshall and Graham Stack.
The new Head Coach was up in Bradford for last weekend’s match at Valley Parade, watching on from the stands as the U’s fell to a crushing late defeat against the promotion-chasing Bantams.
But encouraging performances throughout the game will give the management team reason to believe the U’s can get a result against another top seven side at the JobServe Community Stadium this weekend.
The Opposition
Dave Challinor’s side were tipped by many as one of the favourites for the top three at the start of the season despite only gaining promotion from the National League in the last campaign.
And despite a slow start to the season, the Hatters have elevated themselves into contention for an automatic promotion spot after winning five consecutive matches through February.
Tranmere, Harrogate, Crawley, Stevenage and Rochdale were all beaten by Stockport, but a three-game winless run has followed, halting the Hatters’ momentum somewhat.
Nevertheless, with forty-eight goals Stockport have netted the fourth most in the division as Will Collar (12), Kyle Wootton (11) and Paddy Madden (10) have hit double figures for the season.
Central midfielder Collar has seventeen goal involvements (12 goals, 5 assists) from thirty-six matched for the Edgely Park side this season; the twenty-six-year-old was a key part of the Hatters’ promotion squad last season and has continued his form in League Two.
Kyle Wootton opened his account for the 2022/23 season with a header against the U’s in August, and has steadily added to his tally throughout. His last goals came against Crawley Town on Valentine’s Day, netting a brace against the struggling Red Devils.
Experienced striker Madden has hit double figures for the ninth consecutive campaign, but has been limited to appearances from the bench in the last couple of matches. The former Yeovil, Scunthorpe and Fleetwood forward netted twenty-five times to help Stockport to promotion last season.
Last Time We Met
The U's met the Hatters for the first time in fourteen years earlier in the season, but were on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat at Edgeley Park, with Kyle Wootton on target in the second half.
Ticket Info
Tickets are available to purchase from Col U Tickets - click HERE to get yours and support the U's against Stockport. 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.