U's V Stockport -Preview

COLCHESTER UNITED'S second home game of the week is against Stockport.

This clash was called off at the start of the month, when the U`s were in fine form.

They will now be looking to use it as a spring-board to salvage a late bid for the League One play-off places.

Safe to assume we`ll get a no-score draw, then, right?

Colchester boss, Paul Lambert, said the side`s lack of goals during their slump in three without a win has caused some concern, speaking in the Evening Gazette.

"Our lack of goals over the last three games is definitely a concern to us. We know that we have to do a little bit better in front of goal. We haven`t scored in those games - but it`s not just the strikers. We also need to keep the ball out of the net as well."

David Hoyle, Chairman of Stockport`s Supporter's Trust on the news that Stockport have to find £250,000 by May to stave off the Inland Revenue. This puts recent speculation linking their boss with a move away from the club for Bridgton`s vacancy into perspective.


"Negotiations are ongoing with creditors and it has taken sometime to reach a figure that we feel would secure the future of this football club. With a target in mind I urge fans to give what they can to help us secure the future of Stockport County Football Club. If we do not raise the money, then there is a serious cloud over our future."

Paul Reid is set for a Colchester return after missing the weekend`s tie with suspension, but Steven Gillespie is not a dead-certain starter despite his featuring during the second half of the Southend game.

Defender John White is contention for a return, with Johnnie Jackson`s injury referred to a specialist. He is expected to resume full-contact training next week.

His likely return to the side could see him meet against Matty McNeil, who was on the receiving end of a when the Stockport player claims was intended to hurt. Could be worth keeping an eye on.

County have two confirmed injury-victims, Peter Thompson and Carl Baker but could name either or both Michael Raynes and Johnny Mullins, pending fitness tests.

Scored at the weekend, and the striker will be looking for more goals tonight.

Stockport 1-2 Colchester

Venue: Edgeley Park

Stockport: Forster, McSweeney, McNulty, Fojut, Rowe, Baker, Dicker (Johnson 90), Raynes (Turnbull 29), Gleeson, Thompson, McNeil (Anthony Pilkington 49).

Subs Not Used: Efon Williams, Kane.

Goal: McNeil 42.

Colchester: Gerken, White, Reid, Baldwin, Jackson, Yeates, Hammond, Perkins, Wordsworth (Izzet 66), Platt, Gillespie (Wasiu 73).



Subs Not Used: Cousins, Heath, Vernon.

Booked: Hammond, Reid, Jackson, Wordsworth.
Goals: Perkins 20, Platt 87.

Att: 6,025

Ref: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire).

Ref: J Linington Assistants: O Sally & J Woolard Fouth Official: D Buck

Matt_Us Match Prediction: Close game, 1-1.

Colchester will face Hartlepool United.

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