COLCHESTER United's scheduled trip to play Scunthorpe United on Friday night has been postponed.

The Iron have confirmed that they have had a number of positive tests for Covid-19 among their playing and backroom staff.

The positive tests include those of a number of first team players and manager Neil Cox.

Scunthorpe have advised the EFL that they will be unable to fulfil the fixture and have postponed the U's scheduled League Two trip to Glanford Park.

A new date for the match is yet to be arranged.

Scunthorpe have also postponed their forthcoming fixtures against Salford City, which was due to take place tonight and Port Vale (scheduled for November 3), as a result of the positive tests.

In a club statement, Scunthorpe said: 'Scunthorpe United can confirm our next three Sky Bet League Two games have been postponed due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases amongst the playing and coaching staff.

'Due to these cases, the club has advised the EFL it is unable to safely fulfil the fixtures against Salford City (Tuesday, October 27th), Colchester United (Friday, October 30th) and Port Vale (Tuesday, November 3rd) at present.

'Following testing on Monday, a total of eight players have now tested positive for COVID-19, with a further 10 having to self-isolate due to coming into close contact with those particular players, leaving just 10 players available.

'As a precaution, training for the unaffected players and staff will also cease for seven days.

'The club is following all of Public Health England and the EFL's COVID-19 protocols and will not name the players in question. We ask that their request for privacy and confidentiality are respected at this time.

'We wish those affected a swift and safe recovery, and look forward to welcoming them back to the club soon.'