COLCHESTER United have confirmed the first of their pre-season friendlies.

The U's will again take on neighbours Ipswich Town, while there will also be short trips to Maldon and Tiptree and Braintree Town.

The Maldon game is first up on Saturday, July 8 (kick-off 3pm), while Colchester head to Braintree on Saturday, July 22 (3pm).

The eagerly-awaited Ipswich game will take place at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday, July 25 (7.30pm).

Further friendly dates are due to be confirmed in the coming weeks.