Colchester United are our visitors at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Saturday 27 January, as we continue our Sky Bet League Two campaign.
After a waterlogged pitch postponed their midweek fixture versus Crewe Alexandra, Morecambe will be looking to make it two wins from two as Colchester United make the long trip north to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
The Shrimps will be hoping to replicate their performance from last weekend, where a trip to Buckinghamshire to face MK Dons saw them return to Morecambe with three points. The Dons took an early lead through Max Dean, but a goal from Jordan Slew and a stoppage time strike from substitute Charlie Brown completed a memorable comeback for Ged Brannan’s men and secured another positive result to continue their unbeaten league run in 2024.
Colchester United did not play at the weekend, after their scheduled Friday night visit to Salford City was called off due to a frozen pitch at the Peninsula Stadium. Their last fixture was on Saturday 13 January, when they hosted Bradford City. A second half goal from the U’s Tom Hopper cancelled out Andy Cook’s opener for the visitors, and the spoils were shared at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Saturday’s two sides last faced each other in October, when Morecambe made the trip to Essex. The afternoon was a memorable one for the travelling Shrimps’ fans, after a JJ McKiernan hat-trick earned a 3-1 victory for the 10-man Morecambe side, following James Connolly’s first half sending off. The Shrimps have won four of the last five meetings between the two sides, and Ged Brannan will undoubtedly be hoping to continue this good form on Saturday afternoon.
The Opposition
Despite an opening day victory against Swindon Town, Colchester United have struggled so far this season in Sky Bet League Two. With one win in their last 12, the U’s find themselves in 22nd position in the league standings, although remain six points clear of the drop zone. Their seven wins and four draws see Danny Cowley’s men with 25 points to their name.
Cowley has overseen the Us since the first week of 2024, with his brother Nicky as his assistant. The pair took over after Matthew Etherington’s departure from his post on New Year’s Day.
Key Players
Arthur Read has been an important feature in the centre of midfield for the Us so far this season. The 24-year-old, who made the move to Essex during the 2023 January transfer window, has scored four and assisted four in this season’s Sky Bet League Two campaign.
Read has regularly found himself alongside Cameron McGeehan in the middle of the park this season. The Northern Irish 28-year-old joined the Us after leaving Belgian club KV Oostende in the summer after a three-year spell playing for the Ostend outfit, and has netted six goals in all competitions for Cowley’s side.
Ged Brannan’s Pre-Match Thoughts
First Team Manager Ged Brannan reflected on the successes of the transfer window so far for the Shrimps.
“I think it has been really good,” he said. “The lads that we’ve brought in have all done really well since they’ve been in the team.”
“It’s only going to get better, and obviously when they’re match fit, it’ll only be a bonus for the club.”
He went on to speak about the weekend’s challenge as Colchester United make the trip to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
“They’ve got new managers in, and they’re doing really well,” he said. “They’ll be a totally different animal against us on Saturday.”
“We need to concentrate on ourselves on Saturday, come out with our gameplan and we will be okay. From the first whistle, we have got to be right up for it.”
The Man in the Middle
Daniel Middleton will take charge at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the referee taking charge of his 19th game of the season. 51 yellows and three reds have left Middleton with a three card per game average over his previous 18. Saturday will be his first competitive fixture in charge involving the Shrimps.
The officiating team will be completed with assistants Paul Stonier and Graeme Fyvie, along with fourth official Peter Wright.
Team News
Goalkeeper Stu Moore, defender Donald Love, and midfielder JJ McKiernan remain sidelined for the Shrimps while they recover from their respective injuries.
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