Preview: Colchester United v Hartlepool United

By Albatross
April 8 2005

With Neale Cooper far from happy with the second half against Posh, the players know they've got some making up to do. A long trip to Essex to take on Colchester United is not exactly the easiest game to do it with though...

Colchester started the season well and initially looked like they might be playoff contenders - however their form didn't last and they were on the edge of the relgation battle for a time before pulling clear into safety in lower mid-table. Currently 15th, Phil Parkinson's side would now seem to have little to play for other than pride.

Recent form is good though, and Parkinson will no doubt want his side to continue in the same vein for the rest of the season in the hope that they can make a flying start to next. Over their last six games their record reads W3 D3 - including draws with Sheffield Wednesday and last Friday at Doncaster. While their home record isn't that impressive - nine defeats from their 20 games so far - they have beaten Doncaster and Bournemouth at Layer Road.

Their recent good form has been despite the absence of their leading scorer. Craig Fagan, with 14 goals to his credit, joined Hull at the end of February, and he's not been the only departure. Wayne Andrews left at the end of August, leaving the Us with potentially a goalscoring problem. However, several other players have taken up the slack and together with one or two signings - permanent and loan - hitting the net hasn't been a particular problem. The leading league scorer the season is Neil Danns - yes, the guy who came on loan to Pools at the end of the season and looked reasonable but not exceptional; meanwhile defender Gavin Johnson has chipped in with seven, and one man to keep an eye out for is Marino Keith. The Scot arrived on a free transfer from Plymouth at the beginning of March, and has scored in each of the last three games. He could well be partnered up fron by Ryan Jarvis; the England u18 International is curently on loan from Norwich, where he has already scored in the Premiership against Liverpool, and will be hoping to get some first team action.

Another familiar name in the U's side is Marc Goodfellow; having scored one of the goals that knocked us out of the playoffs last season, he's out of favour at Ashton Gate and is on loan for the third time this season hoping to earn a permanent move away less than 18 months after arriving.

Colchester don't have much in the way of new injury worries and will probably field a similar lineup to last week; for Pools however the news is mixed and changes are possible. Mark Tinkler has suffered a set-back and won't be available for a while longer as he struggles with his calf injury; however Jack Ross is back in training and available, while Eifion Williams played for the reserves in midweek and is also in contention.

Changes are possible following the disappointing second half performance against Peterborough, and if Ross is fit then it may be that he he asked to move into Midfield, with either Humphreys moving into the middle to partner Sweeney or Butler making way - though Jack is more likely to be on the bench. Boyd and Porter look to be secure up front, although there's speculation that Jon Daly may start after scoring for the reserves; I think though that it's more likely he'll be on the bench to provide a different option if Plan A doesn't work out. Possibly the most liekly changes would involve Hugh Robertson playing in place of Matty Robson at left back, or maybe Gavin Strachan stepping into the midfield instead of Ben Clark. While it's tempting for Coops to think about making some sweeping changes, I don't think we're going to see four of five alterations - instead there may be a couple and some others on the bench.

This is by no means an easy game for Pools. Colchester may be safe without much to play for; but especially in front of their own fans they are unlikely to be disinterested and will fancy their chances looking at our recent form. I'll go for a 1-1 draw, Boyd scoring for Pools to leave us looking nervously for the result of Brentford's game with Bristol City.