Colchester U v Plymouth Argyle - the build up + Q&A

The countdown to Colchester

Colchester United
Official website
Fans forum
Ground guide
Twitter

Monday

Before losing 2-1 at Cambridge United last Saturday Colchester were on a 16-game unbeaten run in the league, winning seven and drawing nine to move up to sixth place in League Two, five points behind Argyle.

Away Day guide

Matchday Info

Car parking:

Matchday Car Park Permits.
Please note that there is only limited car parking at the stadium itself, with just under 700 spaces in the main stadium car park. You can book a parking permit via 01206 755161 or on www.colutickets.com, where we also offer the chance to print your own permit! 
Fans are able to use the nearby Park & Ride car park, which is a 5-10 minute walk to the stadium across Boxted Road bridge.

Parking Exclusion Zone.
Both Colchester United and visiting supporters should be aware that the immediate area around the stadium is subject to a Parking Exclusion Zone on matchdays.
Covering both existing Clearways and also nearby residential areas, these roads will be marshalled by Colchester United and Essex Police to prevent parking on roads not permitted under the Stadium Travel Plan.

Click to expand...

Colchester fan Si Collinson has kindly given Pasoti users an insight into his club with a Q &A...

Q: What are your thoughts on Colchester's January transfer window business?
A: We didn’t really do much, extended a loan and got Tafari Moore from you who played one game so far as a stand in RB.

Q: What are your views on manager John McGreal?
A: I’m a big fan, he has tried to get the players and fans closer, which he has achieved. Plus he understands it’s promotion or else this season.

Q: Given the recent 16-match unbeaten run have expectations increased for a top three finish for Colchester?
A: Well up until last Saturday, when we forgot to turn up and were very poor loosing to Cambridge away 2-1, I still feel we can make it to the automatic places. But need to pick up and go again starting this Saturday.

Q: Has Colchester's style of play and formation changed or evolved over the course of the season?
A: It has mainly stayed the same. But every now and then there is a mix up and different players are called in and we change. 

Q: Given the recent financial problems and ownership issues of lower league clubs are Colchester in a stable state at the moment?
A: Our chairman Robbie Cowling takes some stick, but keeps the club stable and within means.

Q: Do you have any match-day tips for Argyle fans - away fan friendly pubs, where to park etc?
A: Argyle fans can pre-book parking £6 via the ticket office. Other than that there is the park and ride next door. Pub wise, the club have started a Match day fan zone and away fans are welcome.

Q: And finally - a prediction for Saturday's game?
A: I reckon 2-2.
------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday

James Oldham is the referee for the game in what is his first season in the EFL after being promoted from the National League.
So far this season he has issued 66 yellow cards and five reds in 20 games. He will be assisted by Paul Yates and Stephen Finch while the fourth official is Nicholas Cooper.

Sky Bet have placed Colchester as slight favourites to win the game at 7/5, an Argyle win has odds of 9/5 and the draw is placed at 9/4.

Pubs
The Dog and Pheasant on Nayland Road is recommended for visiting fans, it's just under a mile away from the stadium.
There is also the Bricklayers Arms next to the train station.
At the stadium there is a Fan Zone where away fans are welcome.

Following Colchester's defeat against Cambridge U's manager John McGreal looks ahead to the Argyle game ...

"This is the test now of the psyche of the group after a reverse like this.
“Now is the test this week, against a strong Plymouth team.
“We just have to be careful that we don’t get too overly frustrated as a collective, because the boys have been on an unbelievable run to get ourselves into this healthy position.
“We have to start another unbeaten run now, no better than against a strong Plymouth team.”

Click to expand...

Daily Gazette

Ticket update

Wednesday

Argyle have played at Colchester 20 times, winning three games, drawing six and losing 11. The last win was at Layer Road in a Championship game in August 2006 and have since drawn the last three away games.

Colchester's former Argyle winger Paris Cowan-Hall will miss Saturday's game due an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined since September.

Thursday

Inside Colchester .... club website

Ryan Lowe's pre-match press conference ...





The England under-20 team will play Germany at Colchester's stadium in March.

Friday

Joe Edwards could play against his former club .... The Gazette



"A win over Plymouth would be a massive statement" .... The Gazette

Colchester manager John McGreal looks ahead to the game ... Colchester club website

Saturday





Ryan Lowe talks about the game ... club website

“All games are difficult, they’ve got flying wingers and good players all over the pitch. They are sixth in the league for a reason and John McGreal plays the right way."

Click to expand...

The round trip to Colchester of 560 miles is the ninth longest away game of the season.

Colchester Stats