Colchester United have been tipped to challenge for promotion in League Two this season.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan talked up the U’s credentials following the sides’ 0-0 draw in their curtain-raiser at Meadow Lane.

Nolan said: “Colchester are a good side and last year, we were quite lucky to get the win against them.

“I thought that they were very unlucky not to get a draw out of our game with them last season, with us scoring in the last few minutes.

“For me, this was another fair result.

“Colchester caused us problems and I think they’re going to be up there, this year.

“They’re sort of going under the radar because we’ve done a bit of business but they’ve also some done some great business and I expect them to be up there, come the end of the season.”

Notts County have been tipped as one of the favourites to win promotion to League One, this season.

But Nolan insists they cannot afford to listen too much to outside influences, during the campaign.

“We can’t get carried away with what everybody else is shouting outside – as players, staff and fans we have to make sure that we all stick together and continue to work towards where we believe we want to go,” said the former West Ham United and Newcastle United midfielder.

“I’m glad that we’ve finally got the first game out of the way now.

“We’re in the season and now it’s all about making sure that we’re ready for the rest of it.

“We were the 0-0 game in the league, so it shows how tough a game it was.

“It was two teams who like to score goals and want to score goals but they ended up shutting each other out, because we know how important it is.”