We take a closer look at Saturday’s opponents, Colchester United.
THE INTERIM HEAD COACH: WAYNE BROWN
Wayne Brown is currently in his third stint in interim charge at Colchester United, having previously held the position in 2015 and 2021. He was appointed on January 19th and has overseen an improvement in their recent fortunes with just one defeat in his six games in charge so far, including impressive victories over Leyton Orient and Salford City.
Brown has held various positions within the Colchester United academy set up, taking charge of both the under 18’s and the under 23’s. He is also the current manager of Isthmian League North Division side Maldon & Tiptree.
KEY PLAYER: FREDDIE SEARS
Freddie Sears appears to be enjoying his football in Essex, already in double figures for goals this season, something he has not achieved since the 2014/15 season when he was previously at the U’s. Sears has so far made 29 appearances in the league for Colchester United and has 10 goals and 3 assists to his name as well as a further 3 goals coming in cup competitions.
Colchester have scored 28 goals in the Sky Bet League Two this season with Sears the man scoring just over a third of them.
LAST TIME WE PLAYED
Colchester United 0-1 Northampton Town
The Cobblers met with Colchester United earlier this season in our first league away match.
It was a warm August day at the JobServe Community Stadium with the Cobblers coming in to the match looking to build on back-to-back wins against Port Vale in the league and Coventry City in the Carabao Cup.
The Cobblers made the breakthrough midway through the first half after a fairly even start to the contest, Jon Guthrie scoring his first goal for the club just minutes after receiving treatment following a clash of heads with Brendan Wiredu. The goal came from a Sam Hoskins free-kick with Guthrie scoring at the second attempt after Shamal George had saved his initial header.
Colchester looked to equalise in the second half and almost did through Brendan Wiredu but Liam Roberts was there to make an excellent stop at full stretch to turn the ball away. The Cobblers almost doubled their lead soon after with Nicke Kabamba seeing his effort on goal deflect wide for a corner.
The Cobblers had to see out the final few minutes with ten men following a red card for Fraser Horsfall after he handled the ball. The ten men held on and Northampton Town claimed all three points.
CURRENT LEAGUE FORM
29/01 – Colchester United 1-1 Swindon Town
01/02 – Colchester United 1-1 Rochdale
05/02 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Colchester United
08/02 – Mansfield Town 2-1 Colchester United
12/02 – Colchester United 2-2 Carlisle United
LAST TIME OUT: CARLISLE UNITED
Wayne Brown’s Colchester side came in to this match looking to return to winning ways after the narrow defeat to the league’s in-form side Mansfield Town.
Omari Patrick opening the scoring for the visiting Carlisle United, curling in to the far corner after cutting in from the right on 51 minutes despite Colchester going close on a number of occasions beforehand. Just under 20 minutes later Colchester managed to get back on level terms with Tommy Smith rising highest to nod home after Freddie Sears put the ball back in to the box following an initial Carlisle clearance.
Just five minutes later and the U’s were in the lead thanks to Tyreik Wright eventually scoring after having his initial effort blocked. Credit is due to Owura Edwards after his mazy run and initial ball in created the change for Wright.
Carlisle weren’t finished yet though, Tobi Sho-Silva headed home a late equaliser after a good cross in from Carlisle to ensure that the points were shared.