Preview: Colchester United v Bristol City

Friday, February 20th 2015

Colchester United v Bristol City
Colchester Community Stadium
Saturday, February 21st, 3pm

Bristol City travel to Colchester this Saturday looking to extend their lead at the top of Sky Bet League One.

All the key information on tomorrow's opponents can be found below.

COLCHESTER UNITED
The U’s currently reside in the Sky Bet League One relegation zone after a run of four defeats in their last six matches. They lost the goals of Freddie Sears (11) to Ipswich Town in the January transfer window and have struggled to find the back of the net since, with a regular goalscorer hard to come by. Colchester’s home form has been poor this season and Tuesday’s defeat to MK Dons was their 10th of the season.

MANAGER
Tony Humes – Former defender who spent his 14-year career at two clubs – Ipswich Town and Wrexham. After his retirement in 1999, he stayed with the Reds for two seasons before returning to Portman Road to become a youth coach and was eventually promoted to Academy Manager. He later joined Colchester’s Centre of Excellence and guided the under-18s to a league and cup double last year. He was then promoted to his first senior managerial role following the departure of Joe Dunne in September 2014.

STAR MAN
Gavin Massey – Former Watford man who had two loan spells at Colchester United before signing for the club in 2012. The 22-year-old also spent time away from Vicarage Road at Wealdstone and Yeovil Town, scoring three goals – two of which came against his current club - in 16 appearances at this level. Massey is the U’s top scorer this campaign with six goals in all competitions and is renowned for his pace.

OFFICIALS
Stephen Martin will be the man in the middle, assisted by Dave Bushell and Matthew Donohue. The fourth official will be Ian Fissenden.

TICKETS
Pay on the day.

LAST TIME OUT
Bristol City 2-1 Colchester United – An Aaron Wilbraham double helped City fight back to victory against the U’s. George Moncur had opened the scoring but City’s striker’s brace secured three points for the home side.

LAST SEASON
League One: 16th
FA Cup: First round (lost to Sheffield United)
Capital One Cup: First round (lost to Peterborough United)
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: Southern section first round (lost to Dagenham & Redbridge)

DID YOU KNOW?
Colchester famously beat top-flight Leeds United 3-2 at Layer Road in the FA Cup fifth round, 1971.