Karl: Ipswich Bigger Than Southend

Colchester United captain Karl Duguid believes the U's fan rivalry with Ipswich is a 'lot bigger' than that with Southend.

The U's take on Ipswich, tomorrow, in which will be the last ever derby played at Layer Road, as the U's prepare to move grounds.

Speaking to local newspaper, The Colchester Gazette, Duguid said: 'As players, we realise exactly what it means

'Last year after we had gone up, everyone was looking forward to it as we realised how big a game it is.

'The local derby for us was always Southend, but the rivalry is a lot bigger with Ipswich for the fans.

'I think that is the case, because we played Southend a lot in the lower divisions and that became the biggest, but I think this is our biggest now because they (Ipswich) are only five minutes up the road.

'The atmosphere is always superb. At their place over the last two years and at home, it was superb. It is a massive game,' he continued.

'We are fighting to stay up and they are fighting to get promoted so there is a lot at stake for a lot of different reasons.

'There is a lot of pride at stake as well and that is what derbies are all about.

'I have great memories of Ipswich last year - I scored in both derbies.

'It would be nice to do that again, but whoever scores, it is important to get the win.

'The three points are massive for us, whether it is me who scores or anyone else.'