Gavin Massey insists Colchester United should not fear the prospect of facing Championship opposition tonight.

The U’s host Reading in the Capital One Cup first round, hoping to progress past the first-round stage in the competition for the first time since 2010.

Colchester will be out to build on the point they gained in their League One curtain-raiser against Blackpool, last weekend.

And the way in which the U’s twice fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against the Seasiders bodes well for tonight’s contest, according to Massey.

He said: “The boys have got to be on the ball for it against probably better opposition to the one we faced, last weekend.

“We know what a Championship team possesses so we know it’s going to be a difficult game.

“But we showed at the back end of last season and also against Blackpool that we shouldn’t really fear anyone.

“I think we can play with no fear against Reading and who knows, hopefully we can get that win."

For more on this story and a full preview of the U's Capital One Cup clash with Reading, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.