IF REFEREE Marc Edwards had ruled differently, City’s current winless streak could have looked very different.

Edwards decided to turn a blind eye to two strong home shouts for a foul in the build-up to Forest Green’s equaliser at Valley Parade at the end of October.

A game that City bossed saw the leaders escape with a share of the spoils – and began a run that has seen Derek Adams’ side fail to claim a victory since.

They hope to put that record right against Colchester tonight – when Edwards will again be the man with the whistle.

Adams voiced a strong opinion after that Forest Green game that officials should have to publicly explain their actions with the media as managers do.

But he was remaining understandably guarded when asked about the prospect of seeing the same referee back at Valley Parade so soon.

Adams said: “Unfortunately, due to the FA and EFL guidance, a manager is not allowed to speak about an official before a game.

“He’s not allowed to mention his name or anything about them. So, I’m in ‘jail’ for this moment in time.”

Visitors Colchester currently sit 19th and have not won away in the league since mid-September at Barrow.

But they have picked up in recent weeks, beating Exeter and running League One leaders Wigan close in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Boss Hayden Mullins said: "It’s a tough game away from home against Bradford.

"It’ll be a long day for us but we’ll go up there feeling positive.

“In our last away performance against Swindon, we started very well and fast and we’ll be looking to do that again.

“We’ve got some real bright sparks in the team and we really need to keep them going and nice and positive.”

Winger Luke Hannant is a doubt after missing the weekend game with a neck problem. Midfielder Brendan Wiredu could feature following his return from a knee injury.