ON the face of it, a second successive opening day trip to Preston North End is a cruel twist of fate for Colchester United.

But you try telling that to livewire Ian Henderson!

The U’s romped to a 4-2 win at Deepdale on the first day of last season, and they will return for another League One curtain-raiser on August 18.

Last year’s Deepdale demolition was one of the U’s best performances of the season, and front-runner Henderson weighed in with two goals.

“I hit the ground running last season, and I’d like to do the same this time,” enthused Henderson.

“We had a few big home wins, but I still reckon that 4-2 victory at Preston was the highlight of our season.

“They had just been relegated and no one gave us much of a chance. But we had no fears that day, we played with freedom, and I’m sure we will do the same again.

“It will be a difficult game, especially as they have a different manager (Graham Westley) in charge.

“And looking at the fixture list, we have another tough start to the season. But I think we should be looking at the play-offs,” added Henderson.

It is the 14th time in the last 15 seasons that the U’s have been drawn away from home on the opening day of the campaign. They will end the season with an even longer trip to Carlisle.

Their first two home games, against relegated Portsmouth (Tuesday, August 21) and beaten play-off finalists Sheffield United (August 25), complete a tough first trio of league games for John Ward’s men.

The U’s will be at home to Brentford on Boxing Day, which will be a special fixture for recent signing Marcus Bean, who spent the previous four years at Griffin Park.