Colchester United's pre-season friendly against Southend United is definitely off, U's manager Steve Whitton has confirmed.

U's boss Steve Whitton on Wednesday confirmed the match - scheduled for Sunday, August 6 - has been kicked into touch by the Shrimpers.

Instead the U's may play Sittingbourne as a curtain-raiser for the Nationwide League campaign which begins the following Saturday.

The Dr Martens League side have offered to play the U's if Whitton cannot arrange a fixture against higher-class opposition.

Whitton said: "The Southend game is definitely off but we are still trying to arrange another game for Saturday, August 5.

"We want to give ourselves a test against League opposition before the season starts but if we can't find anyone, we will play Sittingbourne."

Whitton is still waiting for striker Tony Lock to agree his new deal at Layer Road.

Contract rebel Aaron Skelton has yet to complete a move to Second Division rivals Luton Town.

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