A bit of Roman history for you there. Camulodunum obviously being the historic name for what we oiks now call Colchester. And like the Romans, last season was a tale of going and seeing and conquering. In a six-goal fashion. But let’s nip this in the bud right now – it was a freak result and it will NOT be occurring again. Just remember the 0-0 return fixture for proof that they won’t roll over.
If we look beneath the clouds that are the dotted playoff line in the League One table, we’re able to see the U’s are above the waves marking a deep watery abyss of the relegation zone; all about imagery. And still we cannot be fooled. Colchester are no mugs at home and their record of one defeat at the … new stadium is hardly risible. Therefore, it’ll be a stern test of our character. Yeah, another one.
David Gray is back from suspension and we expect it to free up James Dunne for a move to a more familiar midfield role. We also “expect” Anthony Grant and Luke Freeman to make the starting 11, with Darius remaining centre half and Tansey leading the front three in the middle. Haber starts up top, obviously, and Steve Arnold will probably retain his place. We are sure Smiffy has other ideas mind.
FIFA13 Verdict:
It appears Stevenage were up for this one, and up for a repeat of last year’s demolition job. Man of the match Greg Tansey was involved in a lot of the good work in the first half, with Boro’ 3-0 up within half an hour – Lucas Akins (pen), Tansey and Anthony Grant were the men with the goals. Marcus Haber should have made it four, although Colchester had their chances too to reduce the arrears.
The second half started similarly to the first – Boro’ in the ascendancy. A fourth goal was to follow as Luke Freeman stole in to tap home. Dani Lopez came on for Tansey as Boro’ were seen to go 4-4-2. But it allowed the hosts to get a goal back, with Steve Arnold at fault with a docile Wordsworth header dropping in from 16 yards. No more goals were to follow – FT: Colchester United 1-4 Stevenage.
Bookies’ Verdict:
It could be said that we’re fancied like that girl who caught your eye in Year 9 but never did show any interest back. Not from the bookies per se, but the punters. If you believe the two eyes you have, it seems 82 per cent of the cash wagered has gone towards an away win. But there is plenty of attractive odds still to be had as we write… Stan James says 7/4 for Boro’ – it’s the same for a home win.
Interestingly, three Colchester players currently lead the first goalscorer stakes at 13/2 and to put that in context, Patrick Agyemang is also the same. Despite being unfit. So there you go. Dani Lopez is 9s with SkyBet – do they know something we don’t? Meanwhile, we think both teams will score – Boro’ are 25s to win 3-1 and 500/1 to repeat the 6-1 romp. Mind you, 10-1 is being offered at 100s at Stan James.
Last Season:
Colchester United 1-6 Stevenage
Team Tarot (4-5-1):
Arnold //
Gray / Roberts / Charles / Comminges //
Dunne / Grant //
Akins / Tansey / Freeman //
Haber //
