Colchester United manager John Ward intends to give his senior players more match time this weekend, as the countdown to the new season continues.

The U’s will play back-to-back friendlies against Ryman League division one north opposition, in the space of 24 hours.

Colchester make the short journey to play Maldon and Tiptree at Park Drive tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.

And they follow that up with a trip down the A12 to take on Brentwood tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

Ward intends to give each of his senior players some time on the pitch in at least one of the matches.

The U’s manager is pleased with the way that pre-season has gone so far, ahead of the big kick-off in League One on August 18.

Ward said: “The senior squad have been in good spirits and everything about it has gone well.

“I’m happy with the group that I have working with me.

“I don’t have as many choices as last year but I have some good ones.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.