Colchester United face Oldham Athletic in a Sky Bet League Two match at the JobServe Community Stadium this Saturday, 22nd August. The U's, managed by Danny and Nicky Cowley, are currently fifth in the table with four points from two games, a win and a draw.
Colchester United began their 2026/27 campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Accrington Stanley. They followed that with a Carabao Cup defeat at home to Championship side Southampton on 8th August. The team's current league standing of fifth, with a goal difference of plus one from four goals scored and three conceded, shows a solid foundation. They sit just two points behind early leaders Barnet. Key striker J. Payne, who has 13 goals in 39 appearances, will be central to their attacking plans. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Midfielder Teddy Bishop and defender Jake Leake are both ruled out due to injury. However, new signing Moses Sesay is available for selection and could make his competitive debut. The club's injury situation is detailed on our injuries page. The U's will need a full squad effort against an Oldham side that won their season opener against Port Vale and sits fourth.
The recent meetings between these sides have been tight. In the 2025/26 season, Colchester United drew 1-1 at Boundary Park but lost 3-1 at home to the Latics. Oldham, managed by Micky Mellon, secured a 10th-place finish last season in their first year back in the EFL since 2022. They have strengthened their squad with signings including former Southend United players Gus Scott-Morriss and Keenan Appiah-Forson, as well as former U's midfielder Noah Chilvers, who returns to the EFL after a spell in Scotland.
Matchday at the JobServe Community Stadium offers plenty for fans. The Club Shop and Fanzone open from around midday. The shop sells the full range of kits, including a limited-stock pink goalkeeper shirt, along with travel, training, and casual wear. It also offers Colchester United memorabilia and First Time U's certificates. The Fanzone provides seating inside and outside Hotshots Café and the Legends Bar, where Sky Sports is shown. A new partnership with Molson Coors means Carling, Coors, and Madri are available, alongside traditional matchday food like pies, burgers, and hotdogs. For families, Eddie's Nest, run by the Colchester United Community Foundation, opens at 1:15pm in the East Stand.
Season Ticket holders must ensure their ticket is validated before entering the ground on Saturday. Verification status can be checked via the online Ticket Dashboard. The Ticket Office can assist with verification on the day but expects to be busy, so early action is advised. Supporters may need to show ID or supporting documents for certain concession tickets.
The result this Saturday will be important for Colchester United's early-season momentum as they aim to close the gap at the top of League Two.
