Colchester United manager Danny Cowley has expressed confidence as his team prepares to face Leyton Orient in tonight’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash at Brisbane Road.
Cowley, whose side is searching for their first away victory of the season, believes his team is ready to ‘attack’ the challenge posed by their League One opponents. Kick-off is set for 7 pm, and the U’s boss is determined to maintain momentum after a promising start in the EFL Trophy.
“It’s a tough game against Leyton Orient,” said Cowley. “It won’t be easy, as they’re a very good League One team. But we’ve started well in this competition, so we’ll attack it on Tuesday.”
Colchester’s opponents, Leyton Orient, head into the game after a 2-1 loss to Arsenal under-21s in their opening group fixture. Cowley is well aware of the test his team will face, but he remains optimistic, particularly given the steady progress his side has made recently.
“They’re together and fighting, and it’s one loss in eight now,” Cowley added. “We’re becoming more competitive but if we want to be what we want to be, we need to turn draws into wins.”
Cowley, who famously guided Lincoln City to EFL Trophy success in 2018, is no stranger to the pressures and rewards of the competition. His experience could prove invaluable as Colchester look to progress further this season.
The U’s boss made a full eleven changes for the side’s first match in the competition, a 2-0 victory over MK Dons in mid-September, and is expected to rotate his squad again for tonight’s clash. With several players unavailable due to international commitments, Cowley is likely to lean on the depth of his squad to maintain their winning form.
Lyle Taylor, Aaron Donnelly, and Jamie McDonnell are all away on international duty, while winger Owura Edwards remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. However, there is hope that midfielder Teddy Bishop, who has missed Colchester’s last two games with an ankle injury, could return to action. Academy striker James Sasere is also set to travel, adding to the attacking options available.
Cowley hinted at further opportunities for younger players, particularly JK Gordon, who has impressed in recent substitute appearances. The former Crystal Palace youngster’s last start came in the win over MK Dons, and he will be hoping for more minutes tonight.
“I think JK has done great twice now, off the bench,” said Cowley. “He was a threat and obviously assisted the goal on Tuesday. It won’t be long before he’s bringing goals to his game, as well.”
With Colchester’s squad stretched, players will be eager to seize their chances and stake a claim for more regular involvement. One player who has already capitalised on his recent opportunities is midfielder Arthur Read, who has started the last two games after being left out earlier in the season.
“Arthur has done well in the last two,” Cowley remarked. “He was a little bit slow to start the season but he played well at Port Vale and again against Carlisle, both in and out of possession, which is so important for us.”
The competition for places in the middle of the pitch, according to Cowley, is heating up, which is precisely what he wants as his team faces a packed schedule in the coming weeks.
“There is good competition for places in the middle of the pitch, which is important because we know that we have lots and lots of games,” Cowley explained.
Having won the trophy in 2018 with Lincoln City, Cowley knows the significance of momentum in this competition and the potential for silverware. Colchester’s first win over MK Dons was an encouraging start, but tonight’s fixture at Leyton Orient will serve as a barometer of their ambitions in this year’s tournament.
Writer’s View
As Colchester United take to the pitch tonight, their manager’s message is clear: approach the game with intent and continue building on the foundations they’ve laid in the competition.
With key players sidelined and others pushing for starts, it will be another test of the squad’s depth and desire. But Cowley’s focus remains unwavering as he looks to lead Colchester to further success in a competition he knows all too well.
