We take a look back at the head-to-head record between the Sky Blues and the weekend's opponents, Colchester United.
Head-to-Head:
Coventry City have faced this weekend’s opposition, Colchester United, numerous times over the years in many different competitions.
The two clubs have locked horns in 7 different competitions since their first meeting in 1953 including the Old Division Three, League Cup and all three divisions of the football league.
Going into the fixture, the Sky Blues boast a far superior record than their hosts in the overall standings, with Coventry coming away with 18 victories compared to their hosts’ 10.
There have also been nine draws between the two clubs, including the last time the clubs were drawn together In the FA Cup in 2004, with Colchester eventually taking the spoils after a replay.
Last Time We Met:
The Sky Blues last faced up against todays opposition on a Tuesday night in February during the League Two campaign of 2017/2018. Both teams were desperate for wins to give their play-off hopes real momentum going into the last third of the season.
Colchester took the lead mid-way through the half when front man Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe dispatched from the spot after a Rod McDonald foul.
City came out fighting in the second half, and youngster Tom Bayliss rifled the ball into the roof of the net after Jordan Shipley’s effort was parried back into danger.
The Sky Blues went close to a winner twice in the latter stages, but were dealt a sickening blow on 88 minutes when U’s striker Mikael Mandron grabbed a priceless late winner to draw the home side level on points with their play-off rivals in the table.
First Meeting:
The first meeting between the two clubs came in the Division Three (South) in April 1953. City travelled to Layer Road at the back end of a positive season on the pitch, eventually going on to secure a 6th placed finish.
The Sky Blues goal scorer on the day was prolific striker Eddy Brown who finished his maiden season at the club as top scorer with 19 league goals. City faced the U’s in the return fixture at Highfield Road just three days later, with the clubs sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Biggest Win:
Coventry’s biggest win in the fixture came in more recent times, a Championship fixture during the 2007/2008 season. The home side were already doomed to relegation and the Sky Blues eased their own fears with a thumping victory on the road.
Two penalties from centre half Elliot Ward alongside goals from Leon Best, Danny Fox and Michael Doyle cancelled out an early Scott Vernon strike to seal a valuable three points and help preserve the Sky Blues’ second tier status.
Fancy That:
Colchester United are one of only three teams that the Sky Blues have faced in all three EFL divisions since the reformation of the Football League in 2004. (Other two being Luton and Crewe).