After last season`s premature cup exits to MK Dons, in the Carling Cup, and Barnet in the FA Cup, Colchester United will be looking forward to making amends against Gary Peters’ Shrewsbury Town. The League Two outfit were last season`s beaten play-off finalists, falling to Bristol Rovers.
The side are known by some as draw specialists after last season`s exploits, although could, with a primarily young term, be looking to cause an early upset against Colchester while settling into new surroundings at the long-awaited New Meadow stadium.
Vital Quotes:
“Boss Gary Peters is developing a young squad like Dario Gradi at Crew,” – Fan Chris Allen tells Four Four Two Magazine that his club have the right manager.
“We can accept defeat. But we hate it.” – Geriant Williams after the side`s last-gasp leveller against Sheffield United on Saturday.
Shewsbury Town Team News:
The home side have a number of injury worries ahead of the game tonight, with Neil Ashton and Ben Davies out, as well as Luke Jones, who has a knee problem. Dave Hibbert, with a troublesome groin, is a doubt, although defender Marc Tierney returns after suspension.
Player to watch: Derek Asamoah
The Ghana international Asamoah contributed with 11 goals as the Shews pushed for promotion last term, fitting for a player who had previously put in decent performances for his country alongside Essien & Co at the 2006 World Cup. He will be a goal threat if given time on the ball.
Colchester United Team News:
Manager Geriant Williams said after Saturday`s draw at Sheffield that he would asses the squad on Monday before deciding who will play, although it is known that sub-keeper Aidan Division (back), and midfielder Kevin Watson (Achilles) remain unavailable.
On the striking front, there are mixed reports. Sky claim that Kevin Lisbie and Jamie Guy will still be out following pre-season injuries that made them unavailable last weekend, although the BBC say that Guy is not defiantly out of contention for a place in the squad, rated doubtful.
The only definite player up front is Clive Platt, who will play before beginning a three-game suspension that he picked up after being sent off during pre-season. His partner could be ex-England international Teddy Sheringham, who lasted 90 minutes last time out, although some reports have also said that two games in four days will be too much for the 41-year-old. This could leave Platt as a lone striker, or supported by the young attack-minded Anthony Wordsworth, who would be a debutant.
Player to watch: Anthony Wordsworth
A product of the U`s prolific youth system, attacking Wordsworth was rewarded with a pro contract towards the end of last season after impressing under the guidance of youth-team boss Joe Dunne. If given a role tonight, could fancy his good pre-season form to carry him into the scoring charts.
Match Facts & Stats
Can U’s Tame Shrews?
Match Prediction:
Expect a tight game – another 2-2 draw, with extra time on the way? Expect goals after the Shrews opened the season with a 4-0 win.
Next Fixtures:
Colchester face Barnsley next in the Championship, while Town have got Bradford City.
What makes you think that Wordsworth is going to play? He hasn’t played one full game for the U’s since he was given a pro contract towards the end of last season.