With Colchester’s first team having another weekend off before resuming their Nat 2 campaign, The Ravens rightly take centre stage at Raven Park on Saturday.

The 2s entertain North Walsham 2s (kick-off 2pm on the main pitch) in a big game in Counties 2 Eastern Counties.

The Norfolk side are sixth in the table, three places above The Ravens. But such is the congested nature of the league that just two points separate the teams.

Walsham arrive at the Sports Park on a poor run of results, having lost four and drawn one of their last five matches. Their last outing saw them lose 48-5 at home to league leaders Norwich.

The Ravens will also be keen to turn around their fortunes following three successive defeats, and coach Charlie Shepherd says the team has extra incentive to go for the win.

“After our last game against North Walsham was cut short by 20 minutes due to the referee pulling his hamstring, we’re more determined than ever to prove a point to ourselves and the league.

“We put in the work during Monday night’s training to stay one step ahead, and the lads are fully focussed and eager to kick off the New Year with a strong performance and a win.”

The 4s are also in home action on Saturday, as they entertain second-placed Woodbridge 2s (kick-off 2pm) in a Greene King Division 2 South fixture on pitch six.

And if you fancy an away trip, The Ruins play Chelmsford Super Vets at Coronation Park. The 10.45am kick-off means you can even get back in time for the afternoon entertainment at Raven Park.

It’s the perfect opportunity to blow away the Christmas and New Year cobwebs and support your club. The bar will be open – and let’s face it, dry January will never catch on…