Cheltenham Town are back on home soil this Saturday afternoon as the Robins entertain Colchester United in Sky Bet League Two at the LCI Rail Stadium (kick-off 3pm).
Gary Johnson’s men are looking for a return to winning ways after a run of frustrating results that culminated in a narrow 1-0 defeat in Wales to Newport County in midweek.
The U’s enjoyed double success over the Robins last season with Cheltenham’s last win against Colchester actually coming back in League One in 2008 – a thrilling 4-3 win at home with Barry Hayles netting a 95th minute winner.
The Opposition:
Colchester United currently occupy 16th spot in Sky Bet League Two after an impressive start at home that has seen them pick up two wins, including a 5-1 win over Forest Green Rovers.
Away from the Weston Homes Community Stadium the U’s are yet to taste success and will be keen to change that record and build on a battling mid-week draw with Chesterfield when Brandon Hanlan scored his first-ever professional league goal.
“The boys are all full of confidence and we can take this league by the scruff of the neck, win some games and move up the table,” said Hanlan, who is on loan from League One club Charlton Athletic.
Team News:
Cheltenham team news: Jamie Grimes will be pushing for a recall after missing the Newport clash with concussion while Nigel Atangana and Dan Holman could yet come into contention after injury ruled them out at Rodney Parade. Jerell Sellars will also be monitored ahead of the clash.
Colchester team news: Midfield duo Doug Loft (calf) and Sean Murray (hip) have both returned to training this week for Colchester, but striker Kurtis Guthrie is again set to miss out. Defender Frankie Kent is unlikely to feature with a knee injury while Coventry City loanee Kyel Reid is also on the sidelines. Brennan Dickenson, Craig Slater, Courtney Senior, Luke Prosser and Tariq Issa remain ruled out.
The man in the middle:
Norfolk referee Tom Nield – who has handed out one red and nine yellow cards in four games this season - will officiate the clash at the LCI Rail Stadium, assisted by Steven Rushton and John Farries. The fourth official will be Mark Griffiths.
Last time we met:
02/01/17 – Colchester 2-0 Cheltenham (L2)
22/11/16 – Cheltenham 0-3 Colchester (L2)
17/01/09 – Colchester 3-1 Cheltenham (L1)
11/10/08 – Cheltenham 4-3 Colchester (L1)
Ticket Information:
Tickets remain on sale for the home clash with Colchester. Visit the Ticket Office between 10am and 3pm on Friday or from 12noon on Saturday, buy online HERE or call call 01242 573558 (option 1) during Friday office hours.