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Thread | Bradford City Away Saturday 22 March
at 13:46 8 Mar 2025
Tickets are now available on the Bradford City site for Colchester supporters at £5 each regardless of category.
You can access their site via the tab on the Colchester official web site under Away tickets.
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Thread | Super U's to clip Robins' wings at Whaddon Road
at 20:59 6 Mar 2025
Suddenly things are looking very bright for DC and his Colchester United squad.
The club has started to play with purpose and ambition and the results are very pleasing.
Now of course complacency is the last thing that we wish to consider pervading the corridors and changing rooms of the JCS but there is a togetherness and camaraderie prevalent within the team, squad and amongst the supporters.
This Saturday we look to extend the number of unbeaten games to 11 with a decent result at the Cheltenham EV Charger Points Stadium formerly the Johnny Rocks stadium but Whaddon Road is how I will remember it. Michael Flynn the pantomime villain is in charge but they also have former U’s favourite Ashley Vincent as First Team coach. U’s former player Harry Pell is still on the scene.
Now we owe them for a number of previous results but especially the Vertu trophy defeat recently and this weekend offers the perfect opportunity to rectify that result. I think that we will not only keep the unbeaten run going but also secure a 3-0 victory against the Robins.
Current table (top):
Walsall 35 68
Bradford 35 66
Doncaster 35 61
Notts Co 34 58
Wimbledon 34 57
PV 33 57
Crewe 35 55
Grimsby 34 53
Bromley 35 51
COL U 34 49
Salford 34 49
Still plenty of games left and points but nothing can be taken for granted. Just ask Walsall who stumbled again the other evening and are now in serious danger of losing top spot to the Bantams. They still hold a ten-point advantage over Notts County in fourth spot but is it possible that they could slip outside of the automatic promotion spots and into contention for the play offs. Highly likely on current form.
As far as Colchester is concerned we still need to reach 72 points for that coveted seventh spot. Another 23 points from 12 games.
Maybe too early to predict the top seven but how about this – Bradford City, Doncaster, Notts Co, Walsall, Wimbledon, PV and Colchester United. Colchester v Wimbledon at Wembley in the League Two Play Off final on Monday May 26th.
Now Durham don’t get carried away (ed.).
Now no more of this careless talk or loose lips for the moment but more victories like the last two and the Cowleys will be dreaming of leading the team out at Wembley.
Fixtures:
Saturday 8 March 3pm Cheltenham Away
Tuesday 11 March 7:45pm PV Home - Sky Sports+
Saturday 15 March 3pm Fleetwood Home
Saturday 22 March 3pm Bradford Away
Friday 28 March 7:45pm Grimsby Home - Sky Sports+
Tuesday 1 April 7:45pm Gillingham Away - Sky Sports+
Saturday 5 April 3pm Notts Co Home
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
I have predicted the Sky Sports+ Colchester fixtures based on the criteria that they are not Saturday and not 3pm. I am unsure of later Sky Sports+ fixtures. Is it possible the Bradford game might be switched to 1230pm? And shown on Sky.
DC has already hinted that this will require the squad to see us through the 12 fixtures (perhaps 15 games).
A settled team and squad is vital and injury and suspension free. Teddy Bishop could sadly be sidelined for some weeks and Read is doubtful for Saturday. Manny Egbo could play midfield and KVY full back if DC wants to make changes if neither Read nor Bishop are available.
Jamie McDonnell has gone under the radar, but he has been Mr Consistent for the U’s of late. Someone who needs a goal is Lyle Taylor who has failed to find the net recently.
If all are fit then our best XI for starting is probably Macey, Egbo, Kells, Flanagan, Iandolo, Bishop, McDonnell, Gordon, Payne, Edwards, Tovide but options surround, Thorn, Taylor, Aboh, Simpson, Scully, Read, KVY, Lisbie and Anderson. So, we are looking strong both starting XI and substitutes.
This weekend DC will be anxiously looking at the fitness of Teddy Bishop (just when he was hitting some real form) and Arthur Read. It may be too soon for both of them so I would go for:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell KVY
Gordon Payne Edwards
Tovide
Subs
Smith, Tucker, Thorn, Taylor, Anderson, Aboh, Scully (surprise return)
A good following of the faithful at Whaddon Road, will any be staying for the Cheltenham Festival I wonder starting next Tuesday.
Weather will be a mild 15 degrees Celsius partly sunny and breezy but dry.
3-0 to the U’s with Tovide, Payne and Kells on the scoresheet.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Super U's to secure three more promotion points against ChezVegas tonight
at 18:53 4 Mar 2025
No time for any preview today so I am just running with the DC Official starting XI:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
Read McDonnell
Gordon Payne Edwards
Simpson
Subs
Smith Anderson Tovide Tucker KVY Thorn Taylor
Scoreline Colchester 2 Chesterfield 0
Sky Sports + tonight
Enjoy the game.
Up the U's
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Thread | Today's early games
at 13:08 1 Mar 2025
Salford 1 Bradford 0
Tranmere 1 PV 1
36 minutes played.
I'm watching the Moor Lane game and the pitch is shocking.
Bradford have two players injured in the first half and both substituted.
Up the U's [Post edited 1 Mar 13:15]
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Thread | Franchise to come unstuck against the Super U's at Stadium MK
at 14:10 28 Feb 2025
This Saturday sees the confident Super U’s travel to Stadium MK to do battle with Scott Lindsey’s MK Dons.
They have 2 wins from their last 15 games whilst we are unbeaten for 8 games.
League placings - top
Walsall 33 67
Bradford 33 60
Doncaster Rovers 33 58
Wimbledon 32 57
Notts Co 32 57
PV 31 55
Crewe 33 52
Grimsby 32 51
Salford 32 48
Bromley 33 45
Cheltenham 32 45
Fleetwood 33 44
COL U 32 43
Chesterfield 31 42
MK Dons 32 39
Now as I mentioned the other week we are well and truly safe from Relegation after some inspired performances and results but if we are serious about a top seven finish then we must start to turn draws into victories.
DC can now afford to be adventurous with his team selections.
MK Dons with Alex Gilbey in their ranks are desperate for a victory and Lindsey has piled the pressure on them by insisting on a win against Colchester on Saturday.
This is just the game that we need after some tough fixtures against the promotion hopefuls. We will have more than 1,000 of the faithful present on Saturday afternoon and if we are to “put on a show” as the faithful often sing then three points at Stadium MK is a must and certainly possible.
Three points are the only game in town essentially if we are to close the gap. I think that Crewe are vulnerable in seventh place and I think we can not only close the gap but also take over that position. 14 games to play and 29 more points required to reach the magical 72 mark which will secure seventh position.
MK Dons Away
Chesterfield Home
Cheltenham Away
PV Home
Fleetwood Home
Bradford Away
Grimsby Home
Gillingham Away
Notts Co Home
Newport Away
Crewe Home
Doncaster Away
Salford Away
Barrow Home
Now we may need to win 9 of these 14 games but it is possible. Doncaster Rovers almost pulled off the impossible last year and our task is not as great.
DC is safe from relegation so let’s see some expansive football and plenty of opportunity to take the game to the opposition.
Tomorrow we have to play without Owura Edwards and possibly Teddy Bishop but we have JK Gordon and Arthur Read waiting in the wings together with arguably the best striker in Samson Tovide who wants to play and score more goals.
Lyle Taylor has had a couple of lean weeks in front of goal and is due a goal or two.
We have KVY back in the fold and looking imperious coming off the bench. Antony Scully is maybe a fortnight away from first team action and then youngsters Kyreece Lisbie and ken Aboh are primed and ready to go.
Tyreece Simpson is also available so there is no shortage of strikers to score some vital goals.
So, let’s go for the following starting XI tomorrow:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Payne Read
Gordon Taylor Tovide
Subs
Smith, KVY, Thorn, Hunt, Anderson, Lisbie, Aboh
With 14 games to play and safety already assured I want to see bold, adventurous football. No fear, a degree of respect yes but any team is beatable in this league. The players and DC are talking about setting targets and there is only one that matters, the seventh place in the league. Until it is mathematically impossible we must believe that we can achieve it and the team is good enough to secure those points.
Weather in Milton Keynes on St David’s Day will be 9 degrees Celsius, sunny, no rain and no breeze, in fact ideal for football.
With more than 1,000 of the faithful there will be no shortage of support for the U’s. Safe journey to those travelling and enjoy the game and more importantly the three points. 14 cup finals, 29 points required. Come on the U’s.
Score prediction MK Dons 1 Colchester United 3 (Tovide, Taylor and Payne).
Roar them to victory in darkest Buckinghamshire.
Up the U’s
[Post edited 1 Mar 8:41]
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Thread | Super U's to make the Dons an offer they can't refuse on Saturday afternoon
at 15:53 21 Feb 2025
AFC Wimbledon are in Town this Saturday and this will provide another opportunity for the U’s to defeat a top seven team.
Walsall 31 63
Wimbledon 31 56
Doncaster 32 55
Notts County 31 54
Bradford 31 54
PV 30 52
Crewe 32 49
----------------
Salford 31 48
Grimsby 31 48
Chesterfield 30 42
COL U 31 42
Colchester weather on Saturday will be 12 degrees Celsius, breezy and 77% precipitation. None of which is good news for the surface of the pitch.
At home it will be dry and 10 degrees but breezy.
15 games to play and we are probably looking at 30 more points to secure a top seven position. 10 more victories or equivalent will garner 72 points which should be enough.
Wimbledon H
MK Dons A
Chesterfield H
Cheltenham A
PV H
Fleetwood H
Bradford A
Grimsby H
Gillingham A
Notts Co H
Newport A
Crewe H
Doncaster A
Salford A
Barrow H
Johnny Jackson brings his Dons to the JCS having already lost in the Vertu Motors trophy after defeating us 4-2 on the opening game of the season.
It will be like an old boys reunion with Owen Goodman, Riley Harbottle, John Joe O’Toole and Alastair Smith in the Wimbledon ranks. They will also have about 1200 supporters to swell a likely 6,000 crowd.
Two tough games on the road elicited two draws but we should have had more at both Carlisle and at Notts County.
DC needs to show more adventure in his line ups. I agree with the first 7 players. Macey, Egbo, Kells, Flanagan, Iandolo and McDonnell and Bishop.
I also agree with Payne and Edwards but whilst DC loves Anderson I would like to see Thorn or Gordon. In fairness Thorn is probably injured and Samson Tovide is still two weeks away from a welcome return.
Then we have the thorny issue (no pun intended) of Simpson and Taylor. Simpson started against Notts County and should have scored twice in the first half but fluffed his lines he then scored the equaliser by being in the right place at the right time. He certainly worked hard and just when I thought DC would keep him on when Taylor arrived he was withdrawn.
Whether DC likes it or not when Samson is fit he must play two up top. Whether that is Taylor and Tovide or Simpson and Tovide or Taylor remains to be seen.
Of course, we may have Anthony Scully available and Kyreece Lisbie or Ken Aboh all of whom should be considered.
So, DC will likely start with:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Anderson Payne Edwards
Simpson
Subs;
Smith, KVY, Aboh, Read, Gordon, Tucker, Taylor
We owe Wimbledon after the opening day and I expect to see a 3-1 home victory with Taylor on the scoresheet and possibly Simpson and Jack Payne (long overdue free kick).
Enjoy the game. A decent crowd and three more home points.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Magpies undone by super U's at Meadow Lane this evening
at 18:38 18 Feb 2025
The matches are coming thick and fast with Meadow Lane and Notts County on the agenda tonight.
I am staying at home and watching on Sky Sports + but safe journeys for the all the travelling faithful.
261 on Saturday for the Carlisle trip was epic and it was a shame that Lyle Taylor couldn’t take his two presentable chances. I suppose goalkeepers prevailed but certainly the second half chance with Breeze managed to steer over the bar was really one that should have been buried. Anderson then had a superb opportunity but failed to register a shot.
Sparky’s first home game was always going to be a tough encounter but we had enough on the field to have prevailed.
Walsall 31 63
Wimbledon 30 55
Bradford 31 54
Notts Co 30 53
PV 30 52
Doncaster 31 52
Crewe 32 49
Salford 31 48
Grimsby 31 48
Chesterfield 30 42
Bromley 31 42
COL U 30 41
Now after the draw on Saturday (a game that perhaps last season we might have lost) a number of the faithful have cooled to the idea of a top seven finish.
I predicted top seven at the start of the season and have seen nothing to suggest that Colchester cannot achieve that finish.
However, DC must be more ambitious with his substitutions to give fresh legs earlier in the second half and a tad more pace up top when LT is either tiring or being substituted.
Tyreece Simpson is definitely not the answer though. I was excited when he signed on loan and when I saw his debut at Harrogate but he showed nothing then and on Saturday his 17-minute cameo was absolutely hopeless. For a big powerfully built footballer he lacks pace and the ability to hold the ball up or to tackle where it counts. Worse he gives the impression that he doesn’t know where the goal is.
Now we have strengthened the squad in the January window and I would like to see Aboh given some minutes tonight. He will be pacy and keen and certainly better than Simpson.
Anderson played the full 97 minutes on Saturday and It think it is time for him to be dropped in favour of Gordon or Thorn (although where is Oscar Thorn).
So just make one starting change tonight:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Gordon Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs
KVY, Aboh, Tucker, Read, Smith, Anderson, Simpson
Notts County will offer a stiff challenge under Stuart Maynard. They will be smarting after their narrow defeat to PV last week.
I think that the U’s know they should have done better on Saturday and I expect to see an inspired performance and a 3-1 Super U’s win tonight. That will set things up nicely for the Wombles on Saturday.
Weather tonight 3 degrees Celsius with a clear sky and light winds.
Safe journey, enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Super U's to outfox the Cumbrians at Brunton Park today
at 10:18 15 Feb 2025
Today sees the rejuvenated Super U’s heading north to Carlisle for another vital League Two game.
After last week’s hard won, but deservedly so game against Walsall DC’s charges do battle with Mark Hughes for his first home game in charge of the Cumbrians. Sparky has overseen two narrow away defeats to Grimsby and Newport County over the past few days and will now know the extent of his task to keep them in the league (without Jimmy Glass).
DC was at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night and will have seen a fairly even contest decided by a single goal in favour of the Exiles. Hughes has already marked his home matches for salvation for the Cumbrians but has not marked today’s fixture as a must win. However, he will be looking to stamp his authority on the club and start to pick up home points.
By contrast it is true to say that Colchester have now banished any thoughts of relegation battles this season with 40 points already on the board and are now looking upwards instead to one of the top seven play-off positions.
Walsall 30 60
Notts Co 30 53
Bradford 30 53
Wimbledon 29 52
Doncaster 30 52
PV 30 52
Salford 30 48
Crewe 31 48
Grimsby 30 45
Chesterfield 29 42
COL U 29 40
I watched the PV v Notts Co clash on Sky the other evening and a dour game it was decided in the 85th minute. The Magpies deserved a point but poor finishing ultimately cost them. We of course play both teams very soon.
The stability and momentum within our club at the moment is firmly down to the Cowleys who have stuck to their principles and have overcome much of the negativity that pervaded the club (and many of the supporters).
17 cup finals remain to secure 34 points which will surely lead to a top seven position. Now no complacency can exist, this is a challenging set of fixtures, but it is more than possible.
HOME
Wimbledon
Chesterfield
PV
Fleetwood
Grimsby
Notts Co
Crewe
Barrow
AWAY
Carlisle
Notts Co
MK Dons
Cheltenham
Bradford
Gillingham
Newport
Doncaster
Salford
At present DC has the luxury of a settled starting XI. We all have our own ideas about who should start but ultimately it is DC who determines not only the starting XI but also the skill of selecting the substitutes which can turn a game in our favour.
I would imagine that DC will start at Brunton Park as follows:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Anderson Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs:
Smith, KVY, Tucker, Read, Aboh, Gordon, Thorn
Matt Macey is turning into one of our most successful goalkeepers with records of clean sheets mounting weekly. Kells tackle against Walsall reminded me of Pat (Rio) Baldwin in his heyday. McDonell and Bishop are surely on song in the centre of midfield whilst Payne is the puppeteer controlling the set plays and defence splitting passes.
Owura Edwards is becoming the player that many of us saw in glimpses first time round whilst Lyle Taylor, experienced, articulate and a leader on and off the field is the centre forward that I wish we had had about 5 or 6 years ago. He can possibly be the first player since JC to net 20 goals for the U’s in a single season.
But for the run in we need Samson Tovide back and rekindling the partnership with LT.DC will also have Simpson, Lisbie, Aboh, Gordon and Thorn to choose from when fresh legs are required in those forthcoming vital games.
Carlisle weather today will be dry, 5 degrees Celsius with a gentle breeze. Contrast that with our weather at home which is a measly 1 degree Celsius and predominantly dry after a misty start.
For the travelling faithful both the M62 and A66 trans Pennine routes are open. Safe journey to all. One of my shorter journeys today just 55 miles. I have also persuaded my eldest son and my granddaughter to come to the game.
Over the years I have been to Carlisle on many occasions since about1981. Seasoned Col U faithful supporters will remember the 2009 2-0 win when Lambert was at the helm and we controlled the game from start to finish. Equally the 2013 must win last game of the season when we also triumphed 2-0 to seal our league status. Not that it has always been plain sailing. A 4-0 humbling in 2018 just before Christmas was difficult to take and the journey home was via the A69 and A1 after the snow gates were closed on the A66.
Today is all about remaining focussed and concentrating on securing the three points. I believe that we can win 2-0 and Lyle Taylor and Owura Edwards to score the goals.
Safe journey to the faithful.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Two of our promotion rivals play tonight
at 09:59 13 Feb 2025
Port Vale v Notts County
Probably a draw would suit us best.
Looking at the table we are definitely in the play off mix.
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Thread | Super U's display promotion credentials in hard fought victory today
at 11:11 8 Feb 2025
The League Two table is beginning to look much healthier for the U’s
Walsall 28 59
Doncaster 30 52
Notts Co 28 50
Wimbledon 27 48
Crewe 29 48
Port Vale 28 48
Bradford 28 47
Salford 29 45
Chesterfield 29 42
Grimsby 29 42
MK Dons 28 38
Cheltenham 28 38
COL U 28 37
Our credentials for a top seven position will be tested today against the league leaders under Matt Sadler who were threatening to run away with the title but recently have been reined in somewhat. The loss of Nathan Lowe who has returned to Stoke City is a big blow for the Saddlers but they have brought in Ellis Harrison and Jamille Matt is likely to be fit today against the U’s.
They will still offer our stiffest challenge however despite their recent
stumbles in the league.
DC also has a dilemma with 6 loanees in a team where we are limited to 5. Our recent transfer day business was very efficient but included predominantly loanees.
Anthony Scully, 25 loan from Pompey (again) – injured still
Michael Forbes, 20 loan from West Ham
Kyreece Lisbie, 21 signed for 2.5 years
Kane Vincent-Young, 28 until end of the season
Ken Aboh, 20 loan from Norwich
Jack Tucker, 25 loan from MK Dons
Tyreece Simpson, 22 loan from Stevenage
Retaining Samson Tovide was a great bit of business. This injury though is keeping him out at a vital time for the team.
Weather today at the JCS will be 8 degrees Celsius light rain and a gentle breeze.
By contrast currently at home in Durham we have 4 degrees Celsius with a gentle breeze and sleet showers.
I don’t envisage a great deal of change in DC’s team selection today.
He is likely to go with:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
McDonnell Bishop
Anderson Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs:
Smith Tucker Thorn Read Lisbie Simpson Gordon
As this game is the ultimate test it is important that we do not show them any fear. Respect the league leaders yes but take the game to the Saddlers. After all, three points today sends a message to those teams around us that we are chasing a top seven place.
Likely to be a decent crowd with Walsall likely to bring 1000 so perhaps 5,500 at the JCS.
I’m going for a 2-1 victory for the U’s in a tough encounter.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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Thread | Wirral rubbish - Tranmere under pressure after Super U's gain another away win
at 10:11 1 Feb 2025
Today and the U’s travel to Prenton Park to do battle with Nigel Adkins Tranmere Rovers side who have come off the back of a bizarre 3-1 defeat to Swinedon Town.
They led for much of the game, had two players sent off and conceded three late goals.
All the pressure is on Tranmere who are now 22nd with 26 points from 27 games and a Goal difference of -23 and there can be no better time to play the Wirral outfit.
However, Rovers will be fighting for their lives and Adkins will be under severe pressure to secure something from today’s encounter.
I have been to Prenton Park on several occasions over the years. They always produce a good fanzine which is usually good reading.
When my eldest son was at UCLAN Preston I travelled down on the Friday night 26 September 2008 and in front of 5,713 supporters we won a topsy turvey game 4-3.
We scored early on and on 47 minutes went 4-1 up only for two late Tranmere goals to put some respectability on their scoreline and ensure a nervous finish. Ronnie Moore was the Tranmere manager that day.
However, on my last but one visit in October 2021 I persuaded both my sons to accompany me. Attendance was 7,324 for a Friday night match and we lost 2-0. Micky Mellon, me old fruit, was the Tranmere manager. There had been overt racism towards Colchester players during the game and after the match the CUSA coach was attacked and a side window smashed.
Let us hope for a better outcome today and a Colchester victory by 2-0.
Table Bottom Half:
Bromley 27 35
Cheltenham 27 35
Col U 27 34
Swindon 29 34
Gillingham 26 32
Barrow 27 31
Accrington 26 29
Harrogate 29 29
Newport 26 27
Tranmere 27 26
______________
Carlisle 27 21
Morecambe 27 20
Tranmere weather today will be 7 degrees Celsius, sunny and no precipitation.
With transfer signings proceeding at a glacial pace (3 loan signings; 1 striker and two defenders one of whom is injured) whilst 6 players have departed. We are long overdue another striker but otherwise I think defence and midfield look strong enough.
DC has also settled for the following starting XI in recent games:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Iandolo
Bishop McDonnell
Anderson Payne Edwards
Taylor
I would prefer to see the following bolder and more attacking formation:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Tucker
Bishop McDonnell Payne
Taylor Simpson Edwards
Subs:
Smith Iandolo Read Thorn Gordon Anderson and Forbes (unsure if fit or not).
Safe journey to the travelling faithful.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U’s
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