Rise to the challenge!

John Ward wants Colchester United players and supporters to join forces and dent Sheffield Wednesday’s promotion hopes.

The U’s are preparing for their biggest attendance of the season at the Weston Homes Community Stadium tomorrow.

A crowd of more than 6,000 is set to flock to the stadium, for Colchester’s penultimate home game of the campaign.

Up to 2,500 Owls supporters are expected make the trip down to north Essex for the game.

But U’s boss Ward wants everyone with a Colchester allegiance to help create one of Colchester’s greatest-ever results at the Community Stadium.

Ward said: “The first word on the sign on our dressing room wall is challenge.

“That’s what we’ve got tomorrow - I want to be involved in big games and this is a big game for Colchester United.

“We need to be good, both on and off the pitch.

“There could be more away support than home support and that would be quite something if there was.

“The nice thing is that everyone will be in blue and white!"

Colchester United have confirmed that they have no more spaces available in their car park for tomorrow's game.

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of their game against Sheffield Wednesday.