Take a look at everything you need to know ahead of this evening's game with our full and in-depth preview of the action at the SO Legal Stadium.

Barrow vs Colchester United
Tuesday 1^st November, kick-off 7:45pm
SO Legal Stadium
Sky Bet League Two

Opposition
Founded in 1937, Colchester United were established after a number of enthusiasts of Colchester Town seized to exist after 1936, having been in association since 1874. The U’s would move into Layer Road, which was Colchester Town’s ground since 1909, and play their home matches there until the new of JobServe Community Stadium in 2008. 

A prominent side within the English Football League pyramid, Colchester were elected to the system in 1950, they would remain between the Third and Fourth Divisions until their relegation in 1990. A memorable FA Cup Fifth Round 3-2 victory over Leeds United in 1971 was a key highlight within their 40-year spell in the Football League. They would return 2 years after relegation securing the Conference title and FA Trophy in the 1991/92 campaign. 

ColU reached their highest position as a club in 2007, following their promotion from League One a season prior, a 10^th place finish saw them finish above East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town and Norwich City, as well as Essex foes Southend United. 

Matt Bloomfield’s side come to the SO Legal Stadium sitting in 24^th place, with 1 win in their previous 5 Sky Bet League Two fixtures. Last time out, they held Stevenage to a draw. A 6th minute screamer from Marley Marshall-Miranda opened the scoring for Colchester at the JobServe Community Stadium. High flying Stevenage would equalise through Danny Rose on the 17^th minute to take a point back to Hertfordshire. Colchester have managed 11pts from their opening 16 league fixtures, although without a win since their 2-1 home victory over Harrogate Town on 8^th October.

Head To Head
Tuesday’s fixture against the Essex outfit will be the 15^th time the sides have played each other in competitive games, with Barrow winning 5 of these. The first game date back to 1961/66 Division Four campaign where the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Layer Road. Last time out Bluebird’s took all 3pts away from the JobServe Community Stadium, with a 2-0 victory in February 2022. 91^st minute strike from Josh Kay sealed the fixture, after Tom Dallison converted into his own net early in the second half. 

Current Bluebirds left back Myles Kenlock spent last season on loan at Colchester United, making 18 appearances. He managed 3 goals for the club, including a debut goal for ColU in a 3-0 victory over Salford City, 20^th January 2020. 

Referee
The man behind the whistle this evening is Darren Bond, he will be partnered by Philip Dermot and James Wilson. Fourth official has been designated to Martin Woods.

After taking up the whistle at 15, he progressed to the Select Group 2 referees list in 2016, having over 20 years of refereeing experience, which includes a year as an assistant referee in the Premier League. He has been predominantly assigned control of Sky Bet Championship fixtures this season, dishing out 56 yellow cards across 13 fixtures. His last assignment came at the weekend overseeing Blackpool’s away trip to Coventry, as the Tangerines took 3pts back to Lancashire, Jerry Yates finding the winner in the 80^th minute.

Tickets
As always, tickets for The Bluebirds' home games can be purchased at the SO Legal Stadium prior to the game or purchased online.

Live Streaming
We’re delighted to confirm that we’ll be live streaming all the action from the SO Legal Stadium on iFollow for supporters both in the UK and abroad.

Our live coverage will also benefit from the commentary of BBC Radio Cumbria’s Adam Johnson, who is joined once again by John Goodwin tonight.

Video Match Passes are on sale right now priced at just £10 and every fan who buys on will be directly supporting The Bluebirds.

Click here now to visit the Barrow v Colchester United Match Centre and snap up your Video Match Pass.

Live Commentary
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.