Southend United will visit local rivals Colchester in the opening round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

The Shrimpers reached the final of the competition at the Millennium Stadium last season after beating the U's 4-3 in a two-legged southern area final.

And Southend boss Steve Tilson is hoping for a repeat performance this time around in another eagerly anticipated tie which will take place during the week of September 27.

"It's going to be another good game," he said.

"It's going to be a tough game too but I'm sure we will take a lot of fans to Layer Road again and I'm looking forward to it."

Published Monday August 30, 2004

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