DANNY Cowley sees the busy Easter period as the perfect opportunity for his Colchester United side to rekindle their League Two play-off hopes.
The U’s head into their home clash with Oldham Athletic this afternoon needing a win to close the gap on their opponents and the other teams immediately above them in the table.
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Colchester are nine points off the play-off places with seven games remaining but have the chance to get some valuable points on board both today and at Tranmere Rovers, on Easter Monday.
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U’s boss Cowley said: “The group has prepared well this week.
“We know that we have two games in quite quick succession.
“It’s a really good period for us, playing Friday and Monday.
“Easter is obviously about religion first and foremost and Easter eggs second but for us, it’s just about football.
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“We’re looking forward to the games to come.
“For us, we think we’re doing a lot right.
Team spirit – Colchester United take on Oldham Athletic (Image: Steve Brading)
“We keep working hard to try to get on the right side of it.
“We know if we can put a run of games together, we know that we can still get to where we would like to be.
“We understand that it’s against the odds and we have some challenges in terms of availability but we know we’ve got a good group and a clear way of playing that suits the players that we have at our disposal.”
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Colchester entertain an Oldham side who lie 10th in the table and two points off the play-off places.
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Micky Mellon’s team saw their 10-match unbeaten run ended last weekend when they lost 2-1 at promotion rivals, Crewe Alexandra.
“I think the in-form team in the last 10 games of the season, no surprise to us when you look at their squad,” said Cowley.
“I think that they’re really dangerous on transition.
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“They can mix their game up and play quickly up to [Mike] Fondop and they’ve got [Kane] Drummond and [Jack] Stevens who are a real threat from the sides.
“I also think that they can get control in games through [Ryan] Woods and Tom Pett who we know well from our time at Lincoln, two really intelligent players.
“So, they have a nice balance in their squad.
Micky Mellon (Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)
“They’re a front foot, aggressive team.
“Micky Mellon is an excellent manager.
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“His teams are always at the top of whatever division he manages in, whether it’s the National League, League Two, League One.
“He knows these levels very, very well.
“He knows what it takes and I think he’s got a team that ticks so many League Two boxes – powerful, aggressive, really experienced.
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“They’ve got some really good players, so it’s set up to be a great game.”
Colchester boss Cowley, one of the EFL’s most experienced coaches, has paid tribute to former England boss Roy Hodgson after he was this week appointed Bristol City manager, at the age of 78.
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Cowley added: “Wow! So inspirational.
“It’s brilliant, just his love for the game.
Humble – former England boss Roy Hodgson (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)
“He’s done so much in his career but he’s so humble and happy just to drop to the Championship, for the love of the game.
“I’m sure it’ll be Bristol City’s gain, without a doubt.
“Anyone who stands the test of time in football always has my ultimate respect.”
