Previews

Essex bragging rights up for grabs

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 08/02/2010
Football betting

Colchester United and Southend United meet in a League One Essex derby on Monday evening at Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The two clubs are separated by approximately 41 miles and the Shrimpers are expected to take a large travelling contingent to face their near rivals.

Aidy Boothroyd's side bore out a fortunate 2-1 victory against Carlisle United in midweek to further improve their fantastic home record this term.

They fell behind to a Ian Harte header that goalkeeper Ben Williams should have saved before Clive Platt nodded home an equaliser after Adam Collin in Carlisle's goal lost his bearings.

Deep into injury-time, substitute Kayode Odejayi smashed home a winner and despite calls for offside, the goal stood and rightly so.

Will Colchester claim Essex bragging rights and defeat Southend on Monday night? - Latest Football Betting

Despite Odejayi's timely winner, the home fans showed their frustration at his introduction, but the big forward proved his worth at the end of proceedings.

John-Joe O'Toole created both goals for Boothroyd's men and he continues to produce the goods for the side.

With just two defeats at their new stadium - against Leeds United and Norwich City - the U's are enjoying life at the top end of the table.

Former Watford boss Boothroyd has helped his team into the play-off positions and many still believe they are punching well above their weight.

But with their form continuing to show promise, they remain in contention.

Southend are in poor form and disappointingly languish towards the wrong end of the table.

They failed to win any of their four fixtures in January and they occupy 16th place in the table.

Manager Steve Tilson will be hoping the form book goes out of the window with local pride to play for.

Star striker Lee Barnard has left for Southampton and his void has been filled by young Arsenal starlet Sanchez Watt, who finalised a loan move on Monday's transfer window deadline.

The 18-year-old scored on his Gunners debut in the 2-0 Carling Cup third round win over West Bromwich Albion in September and he should be an exceptional addition to the squad.

Tilson was understandably delighted to replace talisman Barnard, albeit for a temporary period and he said: "It's a good signing for us as he's someone we have watched before.

"He's played for Arsenal's first team at a young age and done well and he's left footed."

Southend are likely to be without injured duo Anthony Grant and Stuart O'Keefe with Alan McCormack ruled out through suspension.

Colchester are overwhelming sportsbook favourites for the contest but don't discount the Shrimpers too easily.

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