COLCHESTER United are set to come up against their former striker Kurtis Guthrie this weekend for the first time since his departure from the club.

Guthrie, who left the U’s by mutual consent last April after his contract was terminated, is now plying his trade at Stevenage who host John McGreal’s side tomorrow.

The 25-year-old, who scored 13 times in 49 appearances for Colchester, experienced an eventful time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

It ended with him returning briefly from an injury lay-off in the final weeks of last season with his final U’s appearance coming against Yeovil Town, in March.

Guthrie, who joined Stevenage in the summer, has made 11 appearances for the Hertfordshire club so far, scoring three times.

McGreal said: “Kurtis tried to get himself back fit and play a couple of games.

“It didn’t work out in the end and he’s gone to Stevenage.

"He’s forging his career there and we wish him well.”

Colchester head into tomorrow's game at Broadhall Way lying fourth in the League Two table, a point above Dino Maamria’s side.

The U's are expected to be backed by several hundred fans at Stevenage and McGreal says it makes a big difference.

“We’re hoping to bring a good following and you need your fans," said the U's boss.

“I know that the last two years that we’ve been there, we’ve had a good following of away fans and we’re hoping that’ll be the case again.

“It’s a great game to look forward to.

“Dino’s been nominated for Manager of the Month, so it just shows you what form they’re in at this moment.

“We’re looking forward to a short journey, after the long away journeys that we’ve had.

“Stevenage have had a terrific start and they were fourth on Tuesday, before we went above them with our win and their loss.

“We know that it’s going to be tough but we bounced back really well against Yeovil and it’s about what we try and do.

“We have to back up that very good performance – that’s the most important thing for me.”