Colchester United continue their preparations for the new season when they travel to play Southend United in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Sanchez Watt (knee) and Jabo Ibehre (groin) could return but Marcus Bean is still recovering from a knee problem and is currently training with the under-21s.

The U’s have won all four of their pre-season friendlies so far, scoring an impressive 24 goals in the process.

But all of the games have so far been against non-league opposition.

And while he is pleased with the way things have gone so far, U's boss Joe Dunne has warned of harder games ahead.

“It’s a case of so far, so good but we need to be careful,” said the U’s boss.

“You don’t win anything in pre-season - we’ve had some good shooting practice but there are bigger challenges ahead."

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.