Former Colchester United striker Jabo Ibehre on Orient clash

And tonight, the former striker will see two of his former clubs go head to head in a relegation battle.

Ibehre played 76 times for Colchester, between 2012 and 2015, scoring 17 times.

And he also played nearly 250 league and cup appearances and netted 41 times for Leyton Orient, where he started his career.

Just one point separates the two clubs just above the League Two relegation zone ahead of tonight's game and ex-forward Ibehre admits it is a vital game.

He said: "It's a big game for both clubs.

"Both teams will be going in there knowing that it's a game that they must win, to be fair and they can't lose.

"Orient had a little bit of a lift at the weekend but things didn't go for them, in terms of the early goal.

"They started with a new energy with the manager leaving and sometimes when an assistant or caretaker manage comes in, you normally have that spike of enthusiasm but I think that was cut short, with the early goal.

"They'll be hoping to get back to winning ways and it makes for an interesting game.

"In these kind of games, you can put some distance between yourselves and your opponents.

"They're good games to play in.

"It's a big game and although there are a few games to go, both sides need to start putting a little bit of a run together.

"It's a must win game because you're playing opposition who are in the same position as yourselves.

"But if you're not going to win, don't lose."

Ibehre was at Brisbane Road to see Colchester beat Orient 1-0, on February 5.

Freddie Sears netted the U's winner in that game in the fourth minute.

"When the two teams played last time, they were both looking to kick on with a win," said Ibehre, who left Colchester in 2015.

"Colchester were on the back of a good unbeaten run when they came to Orient.

"A lot of energy was put into that game and I think often when you play against teams in and around you, it's almost like a cup final.

"Everyone is going for it and I thought on the day, Colchester to a man were at it.

"Everyone was chasing down everything and they knew that maybe Orient were lacking a bit of confidence and if they pressed them very well, they'll get the ball back and they could turn over possession.

"I thought Colchester were sharp and they wanted it more on the day and they came out worthy winners.

"In tonight's game, it will be in the back of Orient's minds knowing that Colchester have beaten them on home turf and I think they'll want to put one on them.

"But Colchester will have the confidence because of what they did a couple of weeks ago.

"It all makes for an interesting spectacle."

It is nearly seven years since Ibehre left the JobServe Community Stadium but he still has links from his time at Colchester.

He played under Joe Dunne - who is back at the U's as interim assistant manager - and was also team-mates with current Colchester players Sears and Tom Eastman.

"They're great guys and I still speak to Freddie Sears and Joe Dunne, who I still call the gaffer.

"I've got friends who are still there and it's not nice to see them down there.

"I never want to see any of the teams that I've played for in the past, at this end of the table.

"I don't want either of them to lose!

"When you've got an affiliation and a connection, you never want to see them struggling.

"Colchester signed some good experienced players down the spine like Sears, Chambers and Skuse to help some of the exciting young talent they have coming through.

"I didn't envisage the club being at this end of the table but I think they've got enough to stay in there though.

"Orient started off really well and they were flying under Kenny Jackett.

"He's a great manager who knows the league and how to get promotion and he has vast experience.

"I thought it was a great appointment but maybe the circumstances with Covid, games being called off, injuries all at once.

"Orient never really recaptured that form they had and injuries didn't help them.

"It's a weird year for everyone and it makes it uneven - some teams seem to get away with less problems and others have loads.

"It's one of those situations."

Ibehre was given a raucous reception by Colchester's travelling fans at Orient, last month.

U's supporters sang the former forward's name as he took part in a pitchside pre-match interview.

He said: "It was nice to hear that and I was overwhelmed by the support they gave - it was a nice touch.

"Prior to the game, I didn't know that I'd been right in front of the away fans with the microphone and the table!

"I was thinking that I was going to get some abuse!

"But they were honestly magnificent and they were making me laugh during the live segment!

"They were awesome and in most places I've been, I get a decent reception so I'm very grateful."

Ibehre officially announced his retirement from playing last December, bring the curtain down on a fine career.

His playing career spanned more than 700 games and he scored in excess of 150 goals, in that time.

Ibehre added: "I'm in and around football and I get to pass on knowledge to the next generation, so it's all good.

"It was my plan to go into coaching and eventually maybe take the steps to the touchline.

"But I'm still suffering with my knee at the moment, so I have to do a lot of rehab.

"First things first is my health and getting my knee right to take those steps forward.

"I try and stay in and around it by doing some recruitment and some punditry stuff."