A run of only one win in seven league games, albeit that the victory was against current leaders Notts County, saw Ben Garner leave Colchester three weeks ago, since when former Crawley manager Matthew Etherington has been in caretaker charge, and he has overseen an upturn in form, with Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Swindon Colchester’s third league win in a row, although they suffered a narrow FA Cup exit last week at League One Shrewsbury. They go in to Saturday’s game in 18th place, nine points above Sutton.

Last season the visit to the Jobserve Community Stadium coincided with Sutton’s end of season slump in form, and despite going ahead through David Ajiboye U’s ended up beaten 4-1, but two seasons ago it was Sutton who came from behind to win 3-1 with Ajiboye, Rob Milsom and Ben Goodliffe on target, Milsom’s a penalty after Samson Tovide, who has developed in to an important member of the Colchester squad, had been sent off for handling on the goalline.

Goodliffe won’t be able to contribute to Saturday’s game as he serves a one match suspension having accumulated five cautions, but manager Matt Gray is hopeful that Omar Sowunmi, who was born in Colchester and spent two years with them prior to joining Bromley, will be fit to return after he missed last week’s FA Cup victory over Fylde due to concussion. While still bottom of the table, U’s go in to Saturday’s game on the back of two consecutive league and cup wins.

Referee Peter Wright is taking charge of a meeting between the sides for the second time, having refereed the game at Sutton last season. He is in his sixth season as an EFL referee.

Tickets for the game are on sale through the Colchester website. The link to buy tickets is here. It is advised to buy tickets in advance, as although tickets can be bought on the day from the ticket office there is an increase in price and the ticket office can get very crowded on match days. Prices are:

Advance: Adults £21.50, Concessions (Senior 65+/ age 18-20/ Ambulant Disabled/ NHS & Armed Forces) £16.25 and Under 18s £12.25

Matchday (card payment only): Adults £23.50; Concessions £18.25; Under 18 £14.50

If you can’t get to the game you can listen to a live audio commentary on our iFollow service. A match pass costs £2.50, but you can also buy a monthly pass for £4.49 and seasonal passes for £45, which cover FA Cup ties when match passes are not available. Overseas supporters can watch a live stream of the game for £10, with monthly and seasonal passes again available although FA Cup games are not streamed. You can buy a pass here. 

The Supporters’ Club coach leaves at 11.15am, fare £25 for adults, £20 for juniors. You can book by emailing John Parsons on johnparsons092@gmail.com – payment will be required in advance.

For those driving, car parking can be booked at the ground for £7 but must be booked in advance on this link. The ground is adjacent to junction 28 of the A12. From the junction, turn right at the first roundabout. Go across the bridge and then go straight over the second roundabout, before turning right into United Way from the third roundabout.

Parking is also available at the Colchester Park and Ride, just the other side of the A12 from the ground, for £3. Again this must be booked in advance. Use this link and choose location 737944. Anyone driving should allow time for congestion through two stretches of major roadworks on the A12 between the M25 and Colchester.

For those travelling by train, engineering works mean that part of the journey, between Ingatestone and Witham, needs to be done by rail replacement bus, so the journey takes around two hours in total, although trains off Liverpool Street are frequent, leaving at 02, 20, 30 and 50 minutes past the hour. From Colchester station take the Park and Ride from stand F to the car park mentioned above. Supporters should also note that only the Elizabeth Line and Central Line will be serving Liverpool Street on Saturday morning, and with a number of events taking place in London, including the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City, the Underground network is likely to be very busy.