COLCHESTER United get their Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign underway tonight.

And there is plenty of incentive for the U’s to do well, both on and off the pitch.

Danny Cowley will be aiming to lead his Colchester side to a second victory of the season over MK Dons, following their 2-0 win over the same opponents in League Two last month.

The U’s boss has fond memories of this competition, having led former club Lincoln City to victory over Shrewsbury Town to lift the trophy at Wembley, in 2018.

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Current U’s players Alex Woodyard and Harry Anderson played their part in the Imps’ victory that day and will be hoping to achieve more of the same, this time around.

This season’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy games will be screened live on Sky Sports for fans in the UK, with all matches available for live streaming via club platforms up until the semi-final stage of the competition.

Colchester are in Southern Group E for this season’s competition, along with MK Dons, League One side Leyton Orient (October 8, away) and Arsenal under-21s (November 12, home).

The top two from each group progress to the knockout stages, with fixtures remaining regionalised until the quarter-finals.

No extra-time shall be played before the final and winners shall be determined by penalties, if there is no winner after 90 minutes.

(Image: PA WIRE)

Clubs are permitted to make five substitutes from seven nominated with sides having three opportunities during open play to make changes (not including half-time).

Multiple substitutions can be made during one opportunity, while an additional concussion substitution will be available to both clubs.

Prize money for participation in this season’s competition is £20,000 per club with a win in the group stages worth £10,000, with £5,000 per draw.

Round of 32 winners will pocket £20,000, with the prize money going up to £40,000 per win for the round of 16.

It is £50,000 for a quarter-final win, while the competition’s winners will bag a tidy £100,000, with £50,000 for the runners-up.