We're all off to Essex at the weekend for our first away game of the new campaign.
The U's confirmed Wayne Brown as their full-time head coach in May, having appointed him in the interim role (for a third time) four months earlier.
It was also confirmed that assistants Joe Dunne and Dave Huzzey would staying in post after the trio had guided Colchester to a 15th place finish and safety by some 17 clear points by the end of last term.
The summer action kicked in at the end of June when keeper Sam Hornby arrived from Bradford. Rochdale midfielder Alex Newby also penned a deal - both came in on two-year contracts.
Winger Ossama Ashley completed a successful trial period having been released by West Ham, when he committed for a year, but there was one heading out the other way when former Blue Shamal George was enticed north of the border by Livingston.
The opening day game at Northampton was a thriller, with goals from Sears and Chilvers twice pegging it back to all-square, but Colchester were left with nothing to show for their efforts when Ryan Haynes marked his debut for the Cobblers with a last-minute winner.
Reports suggest the second half was scrappy, but plenty of chances were created, making it one that could have gone either way.
Freddie Sears opened his account from the spot just before the break last weekend and he's one who will use his experience and know-how to cause problems.
He's netted 18 goals in 54 appearances since his return from Ipswich last summer and there's no doubt he'll be looking to add to that tally this time round.
He's a forward who knows where to be and when to be there - that's why he's our one to watch once again this weekend.
Click HERE to purchase a match pass which will allow you to listen to this game via our streaming iFollow service.
With match commentary provided by BBC Radio Cumbria, this is a fantastic way to follow your team through the season.
Match audio passes are available for ALL EFL league games - click HERE to find out more about this season’s iFollow United service.
|
Carlisle wins |
Draws |
Colchester wins |
|
|
League |
18 |
13 |
21 |
|
League Cup |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
18 |
13 |
22 |
It was a game that sprung to life in the second half down in Essex in February 2022 when Omari Patrick gave the away side the lead. That was quickly turned on its head with quickfire strikes from Tommy Smith and Tyreik Wright, but a point was claimed when Tobi Sho-Silva struck back with four minutes left to go.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The opening day of the 2021/22 season brought Colchester to Brunton Park and the teams slugged out a 0-0 stalemate in the summer sunshine.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Jon Mellish scored just before the half hour to put United in front in Essex in March 2021 but Callum Harriott turned things round with a brace to help his side to a much needed win.
Oh, and it was foggy!
You can try to watch the highlights from that game here:
The U's were at Brunton Park in October 2020 where goals from Lewis Alessandra and Jon Mellish put the hosts two goals to the good. Luke Norris netted a brace to level things up, but Aaron Hayden struck late to keep the points in Cumbria.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Colchester's visit to Brunton Park in March 2020 saw them pick up a 3-0 victory as they maintained their push for a top seven spot.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
We were at their place just before Christmas in 2019 and it was a day where Colchester took their chances and claimed the victory.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The February meeting during the 2018/19 season brought a hard-fought draw, with Hallam Hope giving the Blues the lead just after half time. The U's upped their game and they got their reward with an equaliser from Frankie Kent with just six minutes left to play.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Colchester were at Brunton Park just before Christmas that season for a game that went the way of the home side thanks to a blistering second half display. Hallam Hope had set the tone with a goal just before the break, and Jerry Yates, Jamie Devitt and Danny Grainger wrapped things up as they hit the back of the net in a second period which was all about the Blues.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The first meeting of these teams during the 17/18 season was for our October visit to Essex. It was a tight game, with both sides creating good chances, but a superb finish from Jamie Devitt proved to be the difference when he got on the end of a long ball forward before calmly slotting it beneath Walker's dive to find the bottom corner.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Back up at Brunton Park in February 2018 and Courtney Senior gave the visitors the upper hand with a well taken goal just before the break. The Blues came out for the second half in determined mood and Jamie Devitt pounced once more to claim a point for his side with just 10 minutes left on the clock.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - James Oldham
Assistant Referee 1 - Stephen Brown
Assistant Referee 2 - Damith Bandara
Fourth Official - Stuart Butler
Observer - Ian Corner
Our referee for this fixture is Mr James Oldham. This is a first outing this season for James.
We saw him at Spotland in March 2022 when goals for Liam Kelly and Conor Grant sealed the win for the home team. Danny Devine, Brennan Dickenson and Dynel Simeu all went in the book.
He was the man in the middle for our Carabao Cup meeting with Sheffield United at Brammall Lane in August 2021. A solitary goal in the first half from Rhian Brewster was enough to win the tie for the hosts, and Jack Armer's was the only name taken on the night.
We saw James at Walsall in January 2021 where goals from Omari Patrick and Josh Kayode secured a 2-0 away win, with the game being completed just in the nick of time as snow started to fall. Aaron Hayden, Jack Armer and Taylor Charters were booked for the Blues.
Mr Oldham was in charge of our home game against Walsall in January 2020. Byron Webster, Stefan Scougall and Mike Jones had their names taken with no goals bagged.
He was at Brunton Park for his first ever Football League game as the man in the middle for our 2019/20 season opener against Crawley Town. Harry McKirdy and Stefan Scougall scored in the first half, either side of a net bulger from Beryly Lubula, and that was it for the goals as United claimed a 2-1 win. Byron Wesbter went in the book for the home side and Lewis Young was sent off late in the day for the Red Devils.
We saw Mr Oldham again for our first-round Emirates FA Cup meeting with Dulwich Hamlet in November 2019. Olufela Olomola, Harry McKirdy (2) and Mike Jones bagged for the Blues, and Byron Webster and Ryan Loft had their names taken as Carlisle recorded a 4-1 victory.
Mr Oldham ended his time as an official with the National League at Wembley with the play-off final between Salford City and AFC Fylde in May 2019.
Tickets for this game are only available from the Colchester ticket website HERE.
Prices:
| Super Saver | Saver | Advance | Matchday | |
| (up to 3 weeks before) | (3-1 weeks before) | (1 week before) | ||
| Adult | £17.50 | £19 | £20.50 | £22.50 |
| Concessions* | £12.50 | £13.50 | £15.50 | £17.50 |
| U18 | £9.75 | £10.25 | £11.75 | £13.75 |
| Carer | FOC | FOC | FOC | FOC |
Concessions* - Senior 65+, Ambulant Disabled, NHS & Armed Forces
Wheelchair and carer tickets will need to be arranged through Colchester over the phone Monday to Friday 10am - 3pm on 01206 755 161.
All tickets are print at home or show on a device.
Colchester United operate a cashless stadium.
Buy your tickets now from the Colchester ticket website HERE.