COCA-COLA Football League One neighbours Southend United have joined counterparts Colchester United in playing Chelmsford City in a pre-season friendly.

COCA-COLA Football League One neighbours Southend United have joined counterparts Colchester United in playing Chelmsford City in a pre-season friendly.

Steve Tilson's Shrimpers are travelling to Melbourne for a warm-up fixture against Chelmsford on the evening of Wednesday, July 16.

Club secretary David Selby has revealed a seven-strong schedule of matches designed to put the Clarets through their paces before their first Blue Square South challenge on Saturday, August 9.

Pre-season fixtures are: Tuesday, July 8 Whitton United, away, 7.30pm, Saturday July 12, Witham Town, away, 3pm, Wednesday July 16, Southend United, home, 7.45pm, Friday July 18, Canvey Island, away, 7.45pm, Wednesday, July 23, Colchester United, home, 7.45pm, Saturday July 26, Maldon Town, away, 3pm, Tuesday July 29, Dartford, away, 7.45pm