Colchester United v Gillingham
Vertu Trophy
Jobserve Community Stadium
Tuesday October 7, 2025
Kick-Off, 7.45pm
Team News:
Richard Dobson is likely to make changes for Tuesday’s Vertu Trophy fixture. Jake Turner, Trevor Akomeah, Lenni Cirino, Nelson Khumbeni and Marcus Wyllie could all start the game. Euan Williams could be involved in the matchday squad for the first time this season as he continues to build his match fitness.
Logan Dobbs and Cruz Beszant are available for selection too.
Milton Oni will not be involved for Colchester, as he continues his recovery from an ACL and meniscus injury. Danny Cowley had hinted that Colchester would feature some younger squad members in their team for the game. Max Jolliffe, Makise Evans, Harrison Chamberlain and Ronnie Harvey could all play a part.
Manager Comments:
Danny Cowley: “It’s a great competition for us, because it’s a competition that we want to do well in. It’s also a competition where, having so many great young players at the club, we can give them some good opportunities to play against senior professionals.”
Richard Dobson: “We pay respect to the competition, and we have a squad for that reason. I’m looking forward to Tuesday, and I’m looking forward to what we see if we change the side around a little bit.”
Previous Meetings:
Both sides have won 32 times in this fixture, with 28 draws also being played out.
Gills last met Colchester in the EFL Trophy in October 2022. Despite the visitors striking the woodwork earlier in the half, Gillingham took the lead three minutes before half-time. Will Wright’s free-kick from the right touchline was curled into the penalty area, and was met by Lewis Walker, who flicked the ball across the goal and into the far corner of the net.
However, the hosts could not hold their advantage heading into the break, as former striker John Akinde equalised. Matty Longstaff saw his attempt saved by Jake Turner before the rebound came to Akinde, who managed to squeeze his shot past Turner at the near post.
The game remained level and went to a penalty shootout, which Gillingham won 5-4 after Jordan Green scored the decisive spot kick.
Tickets:
Tickets can only be purchased via the away ticket portal on the Colchester website. Click the link below to purchase.
BUY TICKETS | COLCHESTER UNITED V GILLINGHAM
For more ticket information regarding the fixture, click here.
Streaming:
Tuesday’s fixture will be available to stream on Sky Sports+, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Audio passes are also available for a one-off fee, click here to purchase.
Overseas fans have access to a video feed for a one-off fee with commentary from BBC Radio Kent.
Click here to buy.
Odds:
Colchester United win - 23/20
Draw - 21/10
Gillingham win - 19/10
Special Bet: Marcus Wyllie to score first and Gillingham to win 3-2- 184/1.
Match Officials:
Referee: Matthew Russell
Assistants: Christopher Husband and Andrew Aylott
Fourth Official: Declan O’Shea
