Colchester United host Tranmere Rovers at the JobServe Community Stadium this weekend.
After picking up what looked like an unlikely point against Leyton Orient last weekend, Ben Garner will be aiming to get his first win as U’s Head Coach.
Connor Hall and Noah Chilvers struck late to secure a draw against the league leaders, giving the U’s confidence for their return to the JobServe Community Stadium.
Garner will have Connor Wood back at his disposal – the left back wasn’t able to feature against his parent club last weekend. It is also hoped that Arthur Read could be back in action, recovering from a knock he picked up against Bradford City two weeks ago.
The Opposition
With Micky Mellon dismissed by Tranmere Rovers ahead of this weekend’s tie, Ian Dawes will be in the dugout for the visitors while they search for a new permanent manager.
A three-match winless run has seen this weekend’s visitors drop out of the race for a play-off spot, down to fourteenth and ultimately cost Mellon his job at Prenton Park.
Nevertheless, Tranmere have a squad capable of getting fine results – shown with their 2-0 win over high-flying Stevenage in late February.
Veteran Irish goalkeeper Joe Murphy has been involved in the last handful of matches, keeping two clean sheets after Everton loanee Mateusz Hewelt dropped to the bench.
Former Salford City defender, Jordan Turnbull, has been a regular for Tranmere across the season so far, with thirty-three appearances. Since his arrival in the summer, the central defender has picked up four goals, with the most recent strike coming against Crawley Town four weeks ago.
Regan Hendry arrived in January on a loan deal from Forest Green Rovers, and has slotted in at central midfield at Prenton Park. The Scottish midfielder starred for the League Two champions last season, and has made ten outings for Tranmere, netting one goal.
Attacker Josh Hawkes (pictured above) leads the scoring charts for Saturday’s visitors. With nine goals in thirty-eight games, Hawkes is just one ahead of Kane Hemmings with his last strike coming against Hartlepool at the start of the month.
Last Time We Met
The U's were beaten 2-0 by Tranmere earlier in the season. Josh Hawkes bagged the first after just four minutes of action, with Jake Burton sealing the game seven minutes from time.
Ticket Info
Tickets are available to purchase from Col U Tickets - click HERE to get yours and support the U's against Tranmere. 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) are available to supporters in the UK, with Video Passes (£10) also available to UK and worldwide audiences with the international break this weekend. Click HERE to see what options are available for you.
