MATCH PREVIEW: COLCHESTER UNITED
Cambridge United hit the road for the first time in the 2016/17 season, in search of their first win of the Sky Bet League Two campaign against Colchester United at the Weston Holmes Community Stadium on Saturday (Kick off 3pm).Shaun Derry’s men kicked off their campaign last Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Barnet, as the U’s extended their unbeaten run in League Two to nine games. And United’s season received another early boost on Tuesday night, as the U’s fought back from behind to defeat Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday in extra time of the EFL Cup First Round.
Summer arrival Piero Mingoia has certainly made an early impression with the Amber Army, having so far scored in both of the U’s fixtures this season, including a sublime effort midweek that is sure to live long in the memory of U’s fans.
Harrison Dunk, Elliot Omozusi and Barry Corr are the players unavailable for the U’s, with Adam McGurk and Will Norris being assessed to establish whether they are capable of making a return from injury.
Derry’s men will not have to travel too far for the opening game away from the Cambs Glass Stadium, as they make the short trip to Colchester.
The Essex based U’s also began their 2016/17 season with a 1-1 draw last weekend, taking a point away from the long journey to Hartlepool United.
Having been relegated from League One last season, John McGreal’s men are embarking on a campaign in which they’ll be looking for promotion back to the third tier of English football at the first time of asking.
The two sides have not met since the 2001/02 season, where Colchester twice got the better of the U’s. However, Cambridge United lead the way on the overall head-to-head records between the teams with 17 wins to Colchester’s 12.
Manager Shaun Derry looked ahead to a tough fixture and the prospect of a large away following from the Amber Army, he said: “They play at a nice ground and I’m sure they will be looking to get a lot of success from their home matches this season. We have our own agenda though and have to follow that on Saturday.
“We’re up against a team who have been relegated and will be aiming to get promoted again this season, but when we’re playing to the best of our ability we are more than a match for any side.
“Last Saturday was a real tricky game against Barnet. The way they set up away from home made it difficult for us and we want to be doing the same away at Colchester.
“We’re looking forward to it. As much as we have fantastic home support and can get right behind the team to create a winning environment at the Cambs Glass Stadium, the travelling support last year was absolutely superb.
“When you go on your travels and see that backing, it gives everyone an incentive to put on a show. Colchester is not too far from home, so we can expect large numbers to go down.”
Match tickets are available on the gate at the Weston Holmes Community Stadium.