COLCHESTER United have three massive tests on the road in their first three away fixtures of next season.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United have three massive tests on the road in their first three away fixtures of next season.

They don't come much harder than an away trip to relegated Norwich City on the first day of the campaign (August 8). The U's lost 5-1 at Carrow Road in their relegation season from the Championship, when old boy Jamie Cureton netted a hat-trick.

Paul Lambert's men are also away at MK Dons in August - the Milton Keynes club were beaten in the League One play-offs last term.

To complete the trio of tricky away fixtures, the U's first game of September is at another of the relegated teams, Southampton. This will guarantee that United are playing in front of some big crowds during the first few weeks of the season.

The U's first league home game is against Yeovil (August 15), after they have hosted Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup.

Other highlights include the home fixtures against Leeds (August 29), Norwich (January 16) and Southend (February 6). The U's will take on Leeds at Elland Road on January 30, visit Roots Hall on Boxing Day and tackle Charlton at The Valley for a midweek game on April 13.

The longest away trip of the season, to Carlisle United, has been scheduled for Saturday, March 13. The season ends at home to former manager Geraint Williams' Leyton Orient on May 8.