John Ward has urged his Colchester United side to stand up to high-flying Sheffield United tomorrow.

The U’s entertain the promotion-chasing Blades, in front of what is expected to be the biggest crowd of the season at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester were brushed aside by Danny Wilson’s side when the teams last met, in September.

The U’s found themselves two goals down inside 12 minutes that day and eventually went on to lose 3-0.

But Colchester were impressive in winning 1-0 at Leyton Orient last weekend and boss Ward wants his side to show a similar team ethic, this weekend.

Ward said: “It’s a hard game tomorrow and Sheffield United are a top side in our division.

“They’ll expect to be in the top two come the end of the season.

“We were beaten at 12 minutes past three at Bramall Lane when we were 2-0 down.

“I took Matt Heath off after about half an hour - he wasn’t happy and neither was I!

“We stemmed the tide a little bit but still got well beaten and I expect them to come and try and attack us again.

“If we succumb to that we’ll have a problem but if we stand up to it, we might give them a problem.

“They’ll have a good following here and off the pitch they’ll be loud.

“We need to try and match them at both ends.

“If we can get it right tomorrow, then we can give ourselves a game and a result to remember.

“But if we get it wrong, then we’re up against a good side that can beat us.”

For more on this story and a full preview of Colchester United's game with Sheffield United, see Friday's Gazette.