From bigger fish to smaller fry

COLCHESTER United have pitted themselves against the big boys of League One, and generally come off second best, but now is the time for them to accumulate points against the lesser lights of the division.

The U’s have seen the back of the likes of Preston, Charlton, Sheffield United and Huddersfield, at least for a few weeks.

Now they have a run of four games against the less-fancied sides, starting with the visit of Walsall this afternoon. Fixtures against Chesterfield, Rochdale and Yeovil are also in the pipeline.

After these four games, the picture will become a lot clearer as to where the U’s stand as a force in League One.

Are they a mid-table outfit? Do they have the qualities to launch a bid for the top six? Or should they be more worried about enduring a season of struggle to avoid relegation?

Today will not answer any of these questions outright, but it could be a good indicator of the months ahead.

It was always going to be a tall order to beat Charlton, humble Huddersfield or see off Sheffield United.

But the U’s will be expected to enjoy more success against the likes of Walsall and Rochdale.

Manager John Ward, referring to the set of games to come over the next few weeks, is a big fan of the diversity of the division.

“They are similar sized clubs to us, but I don’t grumble about that because that is the beauty of this league,” insisted Ward,

“And that’s how Walsall will see it. They were in danger of going out of the division last season, appointed Dean (Smith) and he steadied the ship and kept them in the division.

“Now they have the luxury of these big games against Sheffield United and Huddersfield that we have just been involved in.

“And it’s the same for us. They were terrific games and a terrific experience to play in.

“Clubs like Walsall are doing what we are doing, working very hard to continue certainly at this level, and see if they can improve it.”