Swindon will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins on their travels following on from last Saturday’s victory over Notts County.
Town have had to endure a difficult October winning only once before their victory over the Magpies – with their only other win coming in the Checkatrade Trophy, against Plymouth.
After the game, Phil Brown said his team’s efforts, despite not being the prettiest, can help a team get out of a rut and hopes they can take confidence into this Sartuday’s game.
“A workmanlike performance, like ours against Notts County, can kick you on again – hopefully we can take that with us for the weekend at Colchester United.”
The Oppo
The U’s are fifth in League Two and have enjoyed a steady October – winning five games in seven including an impressive victory over league leaders Lincoln City last weekend.
Frankie Kent netted in the 28th minute to put them just a point off the top three.
Former Town striker, Luke Norris is the Essex side’s top goalscorer with eight goals, averaging one every 134 minutes – he has also contributed three assists.
Head-to-head
Town’s record against the U’s is a mixed bag – the majority of recent fixtures have been in League One; however, Swindon have not lost at the, now, JobServe Community Stadium since 2011.
Since then, they’ve won four out of six on their visits to Essex. Back in 2013, Nicky Ajose and Dany N’Guessan were on target for Town with a sole James Collins goal the difference the season before.
In 2016, braces from Ajose and Michael Doughty ensured a 4-1 victory for Luke Williams’ side. Last year, Town earnt a 0-0 draw at the Community Stadium.
05 Feb 2013 Colchester United v Swindon Town W 0-1 League One
16 Nov 2013 Colchester United v Swindon Town W 1-2 League One
14 Feb 2014 Swindon Town v Colchester United D 0-0 League One
25 Oct 2014 Swindon Town v Colchester United D 2-2 League One
28 Apr 2015 Colchester United v Swindon Town D 1-1 League One
26 Sep 2015 Swindon Town v Colchester United L 1-2 League One
13 Feb 2016 Colchester United v Swindon Town W 1-4 League One
15 Dec 2017 Swindon Town v Colchester United L 2-3 League Two
28 Apr 2018 Colchester United v Swindon Town D 0-0 League Two
The Gaffer
John McGreal made over 450 apearances over a 17-year playing career but only played for three clubs – Tranmere where spent nine years, Ipswich and Burnley.
His career came to an end in 2007, and despite considering going into property management, he was convinced to take a coaching degree at Keel University. Within a year he had his UEFA B Licence under his belt, and took up a job in Colchester’s academy.
After working his way up through the academy, he was named interim manager in 2015 after Tony Humes’ dismissal. In 2016, following the club’s relegation to League Two, McGreal was appointed Kevin Keen’s successor earning his first win against Cambridge United in August 2016.
Away Day
For all the information on the away day, head to http://www.awaygames.co.uk/away-day-guides/colchester-united-away/
