Aaarrgghhhh… This was supposed to be fun wasn’t it? Going back to the Abbey to watch a free-scoring, confident, pressing Cambridge side. Now Tuesday’s trip comes with all the anticipation of a trip to the dentist.
Saturday’s defeat at Forest Green makes it three league defeats in a row, and no league wins in five now. What’s happening, and what is Bonner going to do about it? He’s changed things up a bit already, but things still aren’t working. Is this a blip, or are these danger signs warning of a bigger problem. Tomorrow’s visit of Col U gives us the chance to answer this, one way or the other.
After experimenting with Greg Taylor in midfield against Gillingham in the Papa John’s Trophy, Bonner stuck with him in the middle for FGR, but it didn’t really work. Neither him, nor Adam May are apt replacements for the injured Hiram Boateng, and our lack of depth in the squad means Bonner now has to do some thinking outside the box. After confirming he’s not going to three at the back, we wonder who’ll start tomorrow night.
Callum Burton got the nod over Dimi Mitov – who actually hasn’t been all that bad, but it remains to be seen if Bonner will stick with Burton for Colchester. Up front, Ironside still has a knock so we’ll see who partners Mullin out of Knibbs, Dallas or possibly Hoolahan.
Expected U’s Line-Up: Mitov, Knoyle, Taylor, Cundy, Iredale, Hannant, Digby, May, Dunk, Hoolahan, Mullin
We think Bonner will return to the familiar lineup in a 4-4-1-1 with Hoolahan supporting, but it’s possible he’ll return to 4-4-2. It’s likely Taylor’s flirtation with being the Fenland Iniesta will be over, with him returning to a role at the back.
Who’s Their Player to Watch? Cryptic Tweeter and shit penalty taker extraordinaire Jevani Brown will be familiar to U’s fans, and is on a hot run of form right now. Will he return to haunt us?
Who’s In The Dugout? Steve Ball has been head coach at Colchester since July, replacing John McGreal. Ball was formerly a player at both teams, and spent a month at the Abbey in 1992, without playing.
What’s Their Recent Form Like? P5, W1, D2, L2 For 6, Against 9
Any Ex-United Players? We mentioned Jevani Brown earlier, but they’ve also got midfielder Harry Pell, who joined us on a one-month emergency loan back in 2012.
Last Time Out: Cambridge 2-1 Colchester, February 1 2020
Annoyingly the official highlights have been taken down from YouTube so all we’ve got to show you is this super-shaky, headache-inducing fan footage that I’ve not been able to sit through long enough to tell you if it captures any of the goals. Anyway, you all know what happened, Luke Norris put Col U 1-0 up before Andy Dallas and Harvey Knibbs capped a super comeback to get all three points.
From The Archive: Cambridge 1-1 Colchester, March 4 2017
Why are none of our good results ever on YouTube? My first game was a thrilling 3-1 win back in the mid-1990’s. Where’s the 4-1 win in 97? Or the 5-2 win a couple of seasons later? Here we have to watch Gerry McDonagh score, but then miss a complete sitter, and P*sh scumbag Sammie Szmodics get a late equaliser after Jake Carroll (wearing odd boots) was skinned down the wing. You think we’re shit at the moment, but at least we don’t ever have to watch Shaun Derry in his rubbish gilet standing on the touchline with his hands in his pockets.
UTAS Moosenet Tip: We’ll probably lose, but if you can’t bear to predict a U’s defeat, 2-1, Mullin.
Under The Abbey Stand 
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