Colchester United boss Adrian Boothroyd is hoping to close the gap on the League One leaders against Southend on Monday night. The Us are currently five points behind third-placed Charlton with two games in hand, starting with the visit of The Shrimpers. Boothroyd admits the likes of Norwich, Leeds and The Addicks deserve to lead the way because of their form and results to date.
Sky Sports

Pat Baldwin is facing a strange case of déjà vu this evening. The defender was forced to sit out a game against Colchester United towards the start of his loan spell with Bristol Rovers in December. And he now faces the same situation with the Shrimpers. "It's strange how it's worked out but at least I'm used to it," said Baldwin.
Southend Echo

Colchester United boss Aidy Boothroyd has no sympathy for Southend United's plight ahead of tonight's Essex derby. Steve Tilson's side visit the Weston Homes Community Stadium placed 16th in the table having lost seven of their last 11 league games. And with as many as six first-choice players unavailable tonight, the Shrimpers are certainly going to be up against it. Boothroyd knows how it feels to be scrapping against the drop following his relegation from the Premiership with Watford, but he was quick to outline that there will be no room for sentiment today. "Do I have sympathy for them? No, not really," said Boothroyd.
East Anglian Daily Times

Steve Tilson will change his side's style at Colchester United tonight because of the state of the pitch. Tilson watched the U's beat Carlisle United at home last Tuesday. And it was the poor surface which made most of an impression. "The pitch is shocking," said Tilson.
Southend Echo