THERE’S plenty at stake when Colchester United lock horns with arch rivals Southend United.
Bragging rights and local pride are always at the fore, with emotions invariably running high.
However, tonight’s highly-anticipated showdown carries extra significance because of the sides’ positions in the League Two table.
Colchester are one place above the relegation trapdoor, although Saturday’s much-needed 2-1 victory against Walsall has left them six points better off than second-from-bottom Southend.
Another victory tonight would more or less ensure their safety - at the same time condemning their rivals to National League football.
In normal circumstances, fans would create a highly-charged atmosphere and it would be an occasion to savour at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Sadly, for obvious reasons, that won’t be the case tonight but both sets of supporters will be glued to the action and watching and listening from afar.
To celebrate the occasion, we’ve dug out some of our favourite pictures from recent years - images that sum up the passion of derby day.
Needless to say, they include memories of perhaps the most memorable contest from a U’s perspective - their 3-0 victory at Roots Hall on Good Friday 2007.
Jamie Cureton’s hat-trick paved the way to an extraordinary triumph and completed an eye-catching double as Colchester had won by the same score at Layer Road the previous November.
U’s fans will be hoping and praying for a similarly emphatic score tonight.
Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy our big-match preview in today’s sport section.
Join us for live online coverage, followed by an on-the-whistle match report and reaction.
Head to gazette-news.co.uk/sport and keep up to date by following our U’s reporter Jonathan Waldron on Twitter (@JonWaldron1).
Party time - Jamie Cureton is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring one of his three goals at Roots Hall, in April 2007. It inspired a surprisingly one-sided 3-0 victory
Magic moment - Jamie Cureton wheels away in delight after notching against Southend at Roots Hall in April 2007. The striker scored a hat-trick, netting in the first minute and then adding two more after the break
Heads I win - this is a brilliant action picture, showing Colchester's Chris Porter and rival Adam Thompson doing battle in the air during a derby at the JobServe Community Stadium on Boxing Day 2015 Picture: STEVE BRADING
Look of satisfaction - U's assistant boss Joe Dunne keeps his emotions in check but must have been bubbling with pride after Colchester's 2-0 victory in February 2010
Well played, son - U's boss John Ward congratulates skipper Kem Izzet after their side's 2-0 victory in February 2010. Anthony Wordsworth scored both goals, netting after three minutes and then just after the hour-mark
Double delight - Anthony Wordsworth looks to the fans after scoring one of his goals in the 2010 victory against Southend. The U's ran out 2-0 winners
Talking point - Southend defender Adam Barrett’s mishap at the Community Stadium in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras back in 2010 is still talked about by Colchester fans
Under pressure - Southend's goal comes under serious threat on derby day in 2010
Scratching their heads - Southend defenders look crestfallen after conceding in the derby at Colchester on February 8, 2010. Anthony Wordsworth, who later played for the Shrimpers, scored both goals in a 2-0 victory
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