OPPOSITION REPORT: Swindon Town v Colchester

The Chalkboard

TONY Humes has been setting his side up in a 4-3-3-cum-4-5-1 formation with the two wide players dropping back into midfield to provide numbers.

It can leave the lone frontman a little isolated, and has been one of the many sources of the U’s problems. However, of late it has served Humes better, as evidenced by their stunning comeback win against Fleetwood on Saturday.

In midfield it is down to former Norwich man David Fox to set the tone for Colchester’s play. However of late the passing game has been abandoned.

George Moncur is given a bit more licence to get forward and even moved up top to partner lone striker Chris Procter last time out.

The U’s have not fared well defensively and are liable to balls in behind their back lione as was evident in the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

Likely Line-up

A Man in Form: Chris Procter

WHEN it comes to picking a man in form for Colchester it is hard work because they have been so inconsistent.

With two goals in his last two games frontman, Chris Porter is probably the closest thing the U’s have to a man in form. Those two strikes have taken his tally to seven for the season.

When it comes to Colchester’s approach Porter is important. He is a big physical presence and holds the ball up well and brings others into play.

He has to deal with being isolated at times as the lone striker, but of late Tony Humes’ side have been more prepared to go long towards him.

Last time out, he was belatedly partnered by George Moncur and linked well as the U’s turned the game late on.

If Town can sever the ties between Porter and his midfield they would take a step back towards winning ways.

The Treatment Room

TWO of Colchester’s key men are playing through the pain at the moment as they aim to stay in the league.

Goalkeeper Sam Walker missed the Chesterfield game with a knee problem, but returned against Fleetwood and showed no ill-effects despite not being 100 per cent fit.

Key midfield man David Fox has also been playing with a foot injury, though like Walker he is expected to push through and start against Town to aid his team’s survival bid.

Another midfielder, Alex Gilbey, has recently come back from an ankle problem and having played at Fleetwood is expected to retain his place.

Club captain, Magnus Okuonghae has been a big miss for the U’s this season. The centre-back is a big presence physically and mentally in the team. He snapped his Achilles back in November and will not feature until next term.

Another on the long-term list is Frankie Kent who started the season in the middle of the back four. He was injured back in October and broke down again on his return last month.

Form Guide

Mon, Apr 6
Skybet League 1
3-1 Win v 
Barnsley (H)

Sat, Apr 11
Skybet League 1
1-0 Defeat v 
Coventry (A)

Tue, Apr 14
Skybet League 1
6-0 Defeat v 
Chesterfield (A)

Sat, Apr 18 
Skybet League 1
2-2 Draw v 
Scunthorpe (H)

Sat, Apr 25
Skybet League 1
3-2 Win v 
Fleetwood (A)

Goalscorers

Gavin Massey: 8
George Moncur: 8
Chris Porter: 7

Discipline

Magnus Okuonghae: 1Y, 1R
Matthew Briggs: 1R
Alex Gilbey: 8Y

The Stat

Colchester have conceded 76 goals this season. The U’s trail only Crawley as the worst defence in League One.