Banter with Burns with Colchester United Supporters Association chairman Jon Burns

ALL roads lead to Cheltenham tomorrow for the U’s, although technically best to just start with the A12, M25 and M40 and you won’t be far away.

A potential challenge for our lads after an enforced mini-break from football, to get back into the swing of things quickly as visitors to one of the form teams in League Two.

Harry Pell’s former employers have proven to be a tough nut to crack this season with big points on the board, an excellent goal difference and games in hand.

Nothing is impossible for the U’s though. They are in healthy form and will relish the opportunity to show what they can do against another promotion candidate, especially with hopefully a full squad available.

Let’s hope that our internationals have suffered no damage whilst representing their countries, because they are all potential starters tomorrow.

Next Saturday of course is another FA Cup weekend and as we’ve already got enough cups to play with this season, as you know, we decided to let others have the glory this time.

Therefore it could well be another “free” weekend for the U’s, unless of course the Bradford home game is re-arranged. I suspect that we will be up for that so best watch out for news, U’s fans.

Amongst the whirlwind of current cup fixtures, I took in the FA Youth Cup this week and watched the young U’s host Oxford United.

They were unlucky to lose with the last touch of the game deep into time added on, to the time added on.

They played very well with plenty of positives, especially with only ten men for the final 20 minutes after an extremely harsh second yellow was brandished.

It would have been a different result with 11v11. Centre-forward Jake Hutchinson is going to be one to keep an eye on I’m sure and so too left- back Al-Amin Kazeem who looked very accomplished going forward with the ball. #Tough luck for the youth team this time but I’m sure they’ll bounce back.

Whilst the focus remains on Cheltenham tomorrow and three points, I can’t help but mention the small matter of the Old Trafford trip.

Many have got their match tickets already. There are a good number available and they do go on general sale Monday.

For our part we have been inundated with coach booking requests which is great news but don’t worry if it takes a day or two for us to reply to your messages, as our day jobs unfortunately do take priority.

Good luck tomorrow U’s, safe journey to the travelling fans and thanks for your support.