Colchester United face a tough start of the season, and an equally tricky finish to their 2018-19 season.

The U’s kick-off their League Two campaign with a trip to Notts County, who were beaten in the play-off semi-finals last season. The Magpies finished in fifth spot, having looked automatic promotion contenders for most of the year.

The first home game is the following weekend (August 11), against Port Vale, before the U’s travel to Mansfield Town on August 11

THE FIRST FIVE

Notts County (away) Aug 4

Por Vale (home) Aug 11

Mansfield (away) Aug 18

Crewe (home) Aug 21

Northampton (home) Aug 25

John McGreal’s side will hope to be in the promotion race, when it comes to the end of the season.

They have a difficult test at Lincoln City on the final day, on May 4, the Imps having lost in the play-off semi-finals to Exeter City last term. Danny Cowley’s men had finished seventh in the table.

THE LAST FIVE

Bury (away) Apr 13

Grimsby (home) Apr 19

Yeovil (away) Apr 22

MK Dons (home) Apr 27

Lincoln (away) May 4