COLCHESTER United have upset some big names already this season, but they face their biggest test of all at Layer Road this Saturday. And tickets are selling fast!League leaders Cardiff City are in town this weekend, keen to stretch their lead at the top of the Championship.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United have upset some big names already this season, but they face their biggest test of all at Layer Road this Saturday. And tickets are selling fast!

League leaders Cardiff City are in town this weekend, keen to stretch their lead at the top of the Championship.

Dave Jones' men are four points clear, following Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Sunderland, and they seem to be heading towards the promised land - namely, the Premiership.

There looks sure to be another near-capacity crowd. The Barside had virtually sold out by last night, while tickets elsewhere in the ground were also being snapped up at a swift rate.

It is not an all-ticket fixture, but U's fans are advised to buy their tickets in advance to be assured of gaining admission to Saturday's attractive fixture.

U's Chief Executive Marie Partner revealed last night: “We are trying to educate our fans to buy their tickets in advance, rather than just turning up on the day, like many used to do in the past.

“To guarantee your place in the ground, you really need to buy a ticket before the day of the game. We are finding that tickets are being sold a lot earlier this season, and the momentum is continuing to build.

“Cardiff are top of the table, so that is an added attraction, and we are playing well. We are enjoying some big crowds, and I know that the players are relishing the atmosphere.

“Crowds have been rising, and we are now averaging about 5,000,” added Mrs Partner.

The capacity at Layer Road is only a little over 6,000. The biggest gate to date this season was the crowd of 6,065 who witnessed the U's 1-0 victory over East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town at the end of September.

Last weekend, 5,893 watched the U's 2-0 victory over George Burley's Southampton, and a similar crowd is expected on Saturday - Cardiff have already sold out their allocation.

U's fans are encouraged to contact the Ticket Office to buy their tickets, by phoning 0871 226 2161, or better still, to visit the Ticket Office in person.

United have won their last five home games on the bounce, and Jamie Cureton netted his seventh goal of the season to secure a 1-1 draw at Norwich on Tuesday night.