Colchester United visit Notts County in League Two

And U’s head coach Danny Cowley says they do not want to rely on other teams for help, ahead of their visit to Notts County.

A win at Meadow Lane will ensure Colchester will stay in the EFL, regardless of Sutton United’s result against Crawley Town.

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The U’s lie four points above the relegation zone with three fixtures remaining but have a game in hand on Sutton.

U’s boss Cowley said: “Since the moment that we came together as a group, we’ve had no leg ups; nobody has given us anything.

“We’ve had some difficult periods, some maybe self-inflicted but we’ve had some decisions go against us, sending offs, we’ve had some key injuries.

“We’re not expecting anybody to give us a leg up now – we have to do it for ourselves and we want to do it for ourselves.

“When we do do it for ourselves and we get the job done, I think we’ll be really proud of that.

“It’s going to need a big effort and we still have work to do.”

Colchester take on a Notts County side who lie 14th in the table after a mixed first season back in the EFL following their promotion from the National League, last season.

The Magpies, now managed by Stuart Maynard, are the division’s second-highest scorers but also have the worst defensive record in the fourth tier.

The U's won 5-4 in a thrilling home game against Notts County, last October.

“I think Notts County is a brilliant club,” said Cowley.

“They’re the oldest club in the Football League and Meadow Lane is a brilliant stadium.

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“The pitch is beautiful and they play in front of big crowds every week, so there’s a lot to admire about Notts County as a football club.

“It’s a brilliant place to play football and we’re super excited to be able to go there and to play in front of our supporters as well, who have travelled unbelievably since Nicky and I have been at the club.

“It’s a game that we’re so excited about and looking forward to.

“We understand the qualities that Notts County have and it’s up to us to make sure we negate them but also, it’s up to us to stamp our authority on the game.”

Colchester will be without suspended duo Tom Dallison and Samson Tovide for the game at Notts County.

The U’s will check on the fitness of Alistair Smith (ankle), Fiacre Kelleher (groin) and Harry Anderson (hamstring), while Mandela Egbo (knee) is out.

Cowley added: “We have some challenges, that is for sure which is to be expected at this time of the season and run of fixtures that we’ve had.

“This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself – it’s a time to bite down on the gumshield and get the job done.

“For us, we will pick the players that are available and fit and ready to play in the way that we want to play.”