We turn our attentions to Easter Monday with a full and in-depth preview of The Bluebirds' trip to The JobServe Community Stadium.
Colchester United v Barrow
Monday 5th April 2021, 3pm
The JobServe Community Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
When Colchester United won 1-0 at Scunthorpe United at the beginning of December they were sitting in the play-off positions and fans were dreaming of a return to League One.
However, a terrible dip in form has seen The U’s win just once in their 23 outings since and suffer a dramatic drop to 22nd spot in the League Two table.
Colchester have also changed their manager twice in that period, Steve Ball making way in February before Wayne Brown’s temporary time in charge was brought to an end last week.
Hayden Mullins has now stepped up from his role as assistant and will remain in charge until the end of the season, while former Exeter City and MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale has arrived in an advisory role.
The U’s showed a more stubborn streak during the goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers on Friday but Barrow’s win over Newport County means The Bluebirds are one point and one place above their hosts ahead of Monday’s meeting.
One To Watch
Franck Nouble returned to Colchester United on loan from Plymouth Argyle at the start of February having previously spent two seasons with The U’s before leaving for Home Park in 2020.
The 6ft 3ins front man led the line well during Colchester’s hard-earned point in Good Friday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers and fans will be hoping his experience can be a key commodity during the run-in.
Now 29, the much-travelled striker has hit the net twice during his loan so far and his presence is something Barrow will have to be aware of in the Easter Monday encounter.
Head To Head
Monday’s game will be Barrow’s first trip to Colchester since a 5-0 defeat in 1992 and will be the first time we’ve played at The U’s JobServe Community Stadium which was opened in 2008.
Prior to Colchester’s single season outside the EFL, Barrow’s last visit in February 1972 was a successful one, as a goal from John Rowlands was enough to earn our only win at Layer Road.
Referee
John Busby will take charge of his first Barrow game of the season on Easter Monday when he’s in the middle for our encounter with Colchester United.
The official has been on the EFL’s list of referees since the start of the 2016/17 season and has presided over 28 games so during the current campaign.
Busby’s most recent appointment came on Good Friday when he saw promotion-chasing Cheltenham Town smash four unanswered goals past Tranmere Rovers.
Betting
Colchester United have been made slight favourites for three points at odds of 6/4, while Barrow are priced up at 9/5 for the victory and you can get 21/10 on the game ending in a draw.
Click here now to take a look at Sky Bet’s range of odds on Monday’s action.
Live Streaming
Match Passes to watch Monday’s game live on iFollow Barrow are now available – fans are reminded that Season Ticket holders do not get free access to away games.
We’re delighted to confirm that BBC Cumbria duo Adam Johnson and Mark Boyd are once again allowed to travel away from home so will provide our commentary for the live stream.
Fans in the UK can buy a Match Pass to watch the action now priced at £10, while overseas supporters pay £7.
Click here now to buy your Match Pass for this weekend’s game.
Live Commentary
We will also provide an audio commentary of Monday’s game as BBC Radio Cumbria team, Adam Johnson and Mark Boyd get back behind the microphone at Colchester United.
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.