COLCHESTER United boss Joe Dunne has not minced his words this week, in the build up to today’s all-Essex FA Cup first round tie at near-neighbours Chelmsford City.

Dunne was in the U’s side that was humiliated in the FA Cup, at minnows Bedlington Terriers in 1998. He was a full-back in that 4-1 trouncing.

But the Irishman is adamant that his U’s team will be far better prepared this afternoon, to take on Chelmsford, than they were 14 years ago to face Bedlington.

“We are going to attack Chelmsford,” insisted Dunne.

“That will be our mind-set when we get off that bus. We know all about Chelmsford, and their players, all their strengths and weaknesses.

“I’ve seen them many times, I know the area and I know the pitch.

“So there will be no surprises for us, which leaves us with no excuses.

“For me, the game is an absolute state of mind,

“I know when we turned up to Bedlington that day – it just didn’t feel right. But that won’t be the case this weekend,” added Dunne.