De Ja Vu? - Match Preview

In 2005 Colchester lost their first 2 games in the new season and then played Barnsley at home for their third game, which they won 1-0.

Barnsley return to Layer Road tomorrow for the U`s third match of the new season, which has also seen the U`s loose their first two games.

A repeat of last years result would see history repeating itself and the U`s recording their first points of a new season in a new division in which they saw Barnsley promoted with them.

'you dont go down just because you loose your first two games, we proved that last Season, having lost our first two, we then won our third at home to Barnsley, which is what we would like to do again this weekend.'


Skipper Karl Duguid

Manager Geriant Wiiliams only headache seems to be the availability of central defender Pat Baldwin who came off early on Tuesday night after being sick at half time, he need not worry though as he has youngster Garry Richards available to slot right in.

Midweek signing Lawrie Wilson from Charlton will also be available for inclusion in the match squad, possibly filling the space on the bench left by Richards.

On tuesday the importance of passing the ball through midfield was all too apparent, with the likes of Kevin Watson and Johnnie Jackson, the U`s have the ability to unlock any defence, however late on in Tuesdays game they were ignored when the U`s opted for the Long Ball, which was ineffective to say the least.

To win Saturday the U`s need to play to their own strengths, Kevin Watsons vision and range of passing will be the key to success.

After turning around a deficet of two goals to beat Hull at the KC, 2-3 on Tuesday night the tykes will come to Layer Road full of confidence.

New signing Colin Healy will join the squad to face Colchester on Saturday, only question marks against the fitness of Antony Kay, Brian Howard and Nick Colgan who all picked up knocks on tuesday.

Having won their last 3 away fixtures the tykes will be looking for nothing but a win at Layer Road.

Republic of Ireland Midfielder Colin Healy signed on Monday for Barnsley, and may feature against the U`s on Saturday should clearance from the FA and the Scottish FA come in time.

Healy signed a one year contract on Monday, he was previously playing for livingston.

Graham Poll in his first Competitive Match since the World Cup.

I predict a Win for the U`s finding the target 3 times. 3-0

WBA away at the Hawthorns Sat 19th August 2006

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