Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson today welcomed the news his side have been handed a home draw against Cheltenham Town in the first round of the Carling Cup.

The sides will do battle at Layer Road in the week beginning August 23.

Parkinson told the Evening Gazette: "It's a nice one and it's great to be at home.

"It's one for us all to look forward to and perhaps it will be the beginning of a run that will see us drawn at home in all of the cups, instead of the endless away trips we endured last year.

"Cheltenham have got a new manager and a lot of different players from last year." The U's beat Cheltenham away in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy last October.

Ipswich Town, meanwhile, also have a home tie against Brentford.

Published Thursday July 8, 2004

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