Colchester Utd v Port Vale preview – deja vu as below par Valiants need to find top gear

A midweek visit to Colchester looks a tough ask for a Port Vale not firing on all cylinders. Here’s our preview…

The Vale perspective

Form

We keep repeating ourselves on this one but it’s frustrating. Yes, Vale have continued their unbeaten run for 2025 but too many of the results could arguably have been better. With it being so tight at the top, it’s really crucial that Vale step up a gear and convert points into wins.

Fitness

Captain Ben Garrity, Jaheim Headley and Jayden Stockley will once again be missing for this game. It looks like the Valiants otherwise have a fully fit squad to select from.

Team selection

If you asked some fans then they would like to see an attack-minded player, such as Ethan Chislett or Rico Richards added to the midfield. However, with this being an away fixture, it’s likely the side will be packed with more defensive options. There could be changes – Rakeem Harper for Rhys Walters perhaps? Mitch Clark for Tom Sang? Ronan Curtis for Antwoine Hackford maybe?

Viewing guide

This midweek game is available on Sky+ in the UK. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

Danny Cowley has been in charge since January 2024 and now has a record of nineteen wins from 63 games in charge. Cowley has formerly managed Portsmouth, Huddersfield Town and Lincoln City.

Form

Excellent. Colchester have won three in row and have six wins from their last nine games. They won 1-0 at Cheltenham Town at the weekend.

Team news

Colchester may be missing versatile winger John-Kymani Gordon after he was taken off with an injury against Cheltenham.  In his absence, expect right-winger Harry Anderson, who netted the winner on Saturday to come into the side.

Connections

Current connections

Highly popular left-sided defender Connor Hall returned to Vale Park this summer after a spell at Colchester United. An influential signing from Harrogate Town in January 2022, Hall was a key member of the side which won promotion to League One that year.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. The list includes forward Gavin Massey, goalkeeper Sam Hornby (pictured), defender Liam Chilvers, winger Luke Hannant and midfielder Doug Loft.

History

Last time we met

Jesse Debrah was on the mark for the Vale but a late Samson Tovide equaliser saw it finish 1-1 at Vale Park earlier in the season.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 1951 when it ended as a honourable 1-1 draw. Alan Bennett scored the Vale’s first-ever competitive goal against Colchester. However, Vale had to wait until 1958 for their first victory, a run of five games. That win was a 2-0 home win thanks to goals from Freddie Steele and Jack Wilkinson. The two sides’ biggest wins came within a year of each other… Colchester winning 4-1 in 2003 and Vale 4-1 in 2004.

Memorable match

There was a dramatic 4-3 Vale victory back in 2003. In a topsy-turvy game, Vale took the lead through Sam Collins only for Colchester to hit back and take a 2-1 lead at the break. Second-half goals from Billy Paynter, Ian Armstrong and Steve McPhee (pictured) looked to have won it but a late third for the visitors meant a nervy final few minutes.

Brief history

The club was formed in 1937 and began playing in the Southern League before joining the Football League in 1950. One of their most memorable games was a 3-2 FA Cup victory over Leeds United in 1971. They left Layer Road after a 71 year stay and relocated to their new stadium in 2008.

Opinion and quiz

Discuss the game

Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans…

Go to the forum

Predict the score

Quiz

Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Danny Cowley
2. Port Vale 1-1 Colchester Utd
3. 1937

The tough one: Tony Adcock

How do you think the match will go for the Valiants? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.