Colchester United’s integrity will be at stake when they take on play-off chasing Notts County tomorrow.

That is the view of U’s boss John Ward, who believes they must go to Meadow Lane with the intention of winning their final game of the season.

Colchester look almost certain to finish tenth in League One, following their 4-2 win over Tranmere Rovers, last weekend.

But there is much more at stake for their hosts, who go into the game hoping to secure a play-off place.

The Magpies lie in seventh place and are vying with Stevenage and Carlisle United to clinch a vital sixth-place finish.

Ward said: “I think our integrity is at stake tomorrow.

“Notts County have got an opportunity to get into the play-offs and so have Carlisle United and Stevenage.

“We have to be ready for this game and we owe to everybody in this league and ourselves to make sure that we give Notts County as difficult a game as we possibly can.

“We will only look at the end of the season after that, because this is a big game for the hosts and for the other two clubs.

“I won’t be giving players a game just for the sake of it and I won’t be blooding young players for the sake of it.

“Colchester have to protect their integrity which we will and we will go with a strong team and do the best we can.

“What’s the point in going if we’re not going to try and win?”

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