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COLCHESTER'S first game for 11 days in League One against Tranmere sees United attempt to try sustaining a late but possible promtion challenge; the enforced break seems a negative for United, who have been on a fantastic run of form latley.


People in the Tranmere camp, two points ahead of the U's in the table, have called this a 'must win' game.

"We're grinding out results and in some games, even if we're not playing brilliantly, we've got this mentality now that we won't get beaten," - Colchester stiker, Clive Platt, who is returning tonight after suspension, talks to the BBC.

"Colchester won't sit back, they will come at us which will give us the chance to counter attack them, we have to get the right balance," - Opposing manager, Ronnie Moore , talks about Colchester's strengths.

Chris Coyne, club skipper, is away on international duty with Australia U's marksman,Steven Gillespie and midfielder Johnnie Jackson are also out, while Kem Izzet serves a ban.

Colchester have never lost a game on the five occasions he has scored for the club, and the little midfielder comes into the central position tonight due to several absentees.

Perks scored against Rovers earlier in the season as the U's snatched a 4-3 win under caretaker manaement.

R's midfielder Ed Sonko and defender Ian Goodison are both set to miss the match.

The yongster has been imprssing Ronnie Moore in recent weeks since his recal to the side, despite playing in an unfamiliar left-sided poistion. The former Liverpool tralist should start his fith game in a row tonight at the WHCS.

Only two points between the two sides, but Rovers have an abysmal away record this season. Thier away-day transport was also called-off yesterday after a slow take-up for this fixture, which is a re-scheduled trip following last month's unexpected delay.

Ref: Gavin Ward

U's 2 - Rovers 1

Colchester face an away trip to Walsall while Rovers stay in Essex for a trip to the U's rivals, Southend United.

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