Preview: Bromley vs Colchester United

What did he learn about a side he has now faced three times?

In those games, the sides have traded a win a piece, with a draw the other result.

Colchester are one of several sides vying for the final play-off spot, a race that is every bit as tight as the battle for League Two’s three automatic promotion places.

On Wednesday night, Cowley’s side fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at second-place MK Dons, but the manager was full of praise for how his depleted side conducted themselves.

But with nine games to go, they are running out of time to secure their coveted play-off spot and cannot afford to lose many more.

Although they recently lost Charlton loanee Micah Mbick to a season-ending injury, they have plenty of attacking talent in their ranks.

In terms of goal contributions, Jack Payne has 16, Kyrece Lisbie has 14, and Harry Anderson has 12. And while Payne was not involved on Wednesday night, he is expected to return against Bromley. 

Assuming all three are fit, it is likely that the U’s will line up 4-2-3-1, and Bromley will almost certainly match them. 

Off the pitch, Colchester are still looking for either a sizeable investment or a new owner. There was recent interest from a group fronted by former Brazil international Alexandre Pato, but they backed out, with a statement curtly explaining:

"Aspire Media Group has decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition of Colchester United by Sports Alpha Capital (SAC), the investment consortium managed by Joao Xavier and including Alexandre Pato. Accordingly, discussions have concluded.”

On to the next one.

There is no doubt that Colchester will look to match Bromley’s energy on the pitch. They like to press and run hard, which probably explains why the encounters between the two are always so hard-fought. 

Colchester technically start at a disadvantage given they played on Wednesday night, but that adversity can often galvanise a team rather than weaken them. With the game likely to be a tight affair, it might come down to which manager uses their finishers most effectively. 

Speaking of finishers, Andy Woodman’s side played a get-out-of-jail-free card at Newport on Tuesday night, with Corey Whitely’s volley clinching victory when Bromley arguably did little to deserve it. The manager was open in his critique, but the question is how well his players bounce back from a lacklustre display.

Several squad members missed the trip to Wales or were rested, but in terms of absences, Michael Cheek is the headline name as he continues his long recovery from injury.

Marcus Dinanga featured from the bench from the 57th minute against Newport County, but such is the lack of strength in depth at the moment that youngster George Evans made the bench as the backup striker. Will his name be on the team sheet again today?

With little alternative, Woodman will most likely ask Nicke Kabamba to put in another long shift as a solo striker, turning to Dinanga only when the lack of support becomes too apparent. 

If Ben Thompson is fit, I sense he will return to the starting XI as the support #10 due to his goal threat. And after his winning goal on Tuesday night, I expect Corey Whitely to also feature from the start.

But who partners Ashley Charles in midfield, Arthurs or Hondermarck?

Andy Woodman spoke about needing goal threats from midfield, suggesting attack-minded midfielders take precedence in Michael Cheek’s absence. Does Hondermarck now become a guaranteed starter?

The rest of the team more than likely writes itself, injuries notwithstanding.

Every week, we question whether Bromley can keep going to the well and delivering. With a 20-match unbeaten run on the line and a home unbeaten record to protect, the pressure isn’t going anywhere.

So far, the team have coped with that pressure far better than the fanbase.

All eyes turn to Hayes Lane. Can Bromley repel yet another attack on their fortress and draw closer to the automatic promotion line?

Smith

Ifill Debrah Sowunmi Odutayo

Charles Hondermarck

Whitely Thompson Pinnock

Kabamba