FOR the third time in a row, Colchester United face opposition languishing near the foot of the League Two table.

And after failing to see off struggling Stevenage and Morecambe, drawing both times, John McGreal's men will be desperate to bank maximum points when they welcome third-from-bottom Macclesfield Town to the JobServe Community Stadium.

The financially-troubled Cheshire outfit are five points above the relegation trapdoor, with two games in hand on the pair below, after winning just one of their last 11 fixtures.

It's not just on the pitch that the club have had their problems, either.

They were docked six points in December after pleading guilty to charges over the non-payment of wages and failing to fulfil their fixture against Crewe Alexandra.

Their players refused to play the Railwaymen on December 7, citing concerns over their emotional wellbeing.

It's clearly been a testing period for the Silkmen, who last week confirmed they would appeal against the points penalty.

However, in recent weeks, they have started showing green shoots of recovery.

They are unbeaten this year - a run they will be desperate to extend tomorrow - and have drawn seven of their last nine matches.

A 1-0 victory against Cambridge United will have further boosted hopes of a rise up the League Two table.

Macclesfield's players will also be desperate to impress their new boss, after the appointment of ex-Republic of Ireland winger Mark Kennedy as head coach.

The 43-year-old has been appointed on a deal that runs initially until the end of the season and is the third boss to hold the post at Macclesfield this term, with Sol Campbell and successor Daryl McMahon both resigning.

Kennedy was part of Campbell's back-room team at Moss Rose last season.