The original fixture, at the beginning of December, was postponed due to Storm Darragh, with 70mph winds leading the island’s government to ban all outdoor sport.

The tentative suggestion to play the game on the Sunday was always a non-starter as several Colchester players had to get home for work commitments – and in any case it was still blowing a gale.

In the event, all flights to and from Guernsey were cancelled, so the squad did not get home until Monday, with some of the club’s intrepid supporters not flying out until Wednesday.

So, it’s no surprise that the team will be flying in and out on the day, with the match kicking off at 2pm. At least the weather is set fair this time, but it’s doubtful that many - if any - supporters will make the trip.

On the pitch, it’s been a mixed season for Guernsey, who started their campaign well, winning seven out of their first eight Nat 2 East matches. But they have now lost four games in a row and currently lie in mid-table.

Colchester will still be without several first team regulars due to injury and illness on what was planned to be a rest weekend for them.

The Guernsey match is the first of two challenging away fixtures, with Colchester travelling to Dorking the following week. That fixture is followed by two consecutive home matches against Westcombe Park and Sevenoaks.

It’s a rest weekend for the club’s other three senior men’s teams, but The Ruins play a charity friendly against The Legends at Raven Park on Friday night at 7.30, while the Kings are at home to Berkshire Unicorns on Saturday afternoon at 2pm.