COLCHESTER United skipper Karl Duguid was the match-winner against visiting Ipswich Town last season, and he will be making sure that Jim Magilton's side have an equally uncomfortable visit tomorrow.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United skipper Karl Duguid was the match-winner against visiting Ipswich Town last season, and he will be making sure that Jim Magilton's side have an equally uncomfortable visit tomorrow.

Duguid recognises that the U's are virtually down and out, as far as staving off relegation is concerned, although he's not giving up the ghost just yet.

United need to beat play-off chasing Town, and then hope that other results go their way, to preserve their Championship status for at least another week.

"We are not mathematically down yet, which is just what Luton Town boss Mick Harford said on TV this week. And they are in a similar position to us (in League One)," insisted Duguid last night.

"Of course it's looking grim, but we won't be giving up without a fight. We have five games left, and I'm sure that Ipswich will have been aware that we managed to score three goals at West Brom (4-3

defeat) last weekend.

"We are still fighting to stay up, and there's also the desire not to finish bottom of the table. We don't want to stay there for the rest of the season, and it may even be that our final game at Scunthorpe will be the decider "It doesn't look great at the moment, but we'll keep going. We're not giving up," added Duguid.

U's stalwart Duguid, who will be making his 434th appearance tomorrow, was crowned a Colchester hero when scoring a ninth minute winner in a 1-0 victory over visiting Ipswich last season.

Duguid remembers that game with fondness, but recalls the U's visit to Portman Road from last October with anguish - it was a case of what might have been for Geraint Williams' men, who were 1-0 up and in the driving seat until Mark Yeates had his penalty saved.

Town went on to score three goals in the last 19 minutes, through Jonathan Walters, Liam Trotter and Danny Haynes, to secure a 3-1 win.

"That game was a turning point in our season. So many games have been like that for us," admitted Duguid.

"Our home form has let us down badly this season. Layer Road was a fortress last season, but that sometimes happens. Ipswich have not been great away from home.

"It's a big game for everyone. There's always an extra buzz that you get before these sort of big games.

"Being a local derby gives it an extra edge. We can't wait, and it's a big game for the supporters as well. It's one of our last few games at Layer Road, and Ipswich will be worried after what happened here last season.

"I actually thought that Ipswich played well at Layer Road last season. Aidan Davison made a few good saves," added Duguid.

The U's are 13 points adrift of safety, with just 15 points up for grabs. It is therefore a case of when, rather than if, the U's are relegated.