FOURTEEN games stand between Colchester United and possible promotion to the Championship. The hard work starts now.The run-in is tough, not least because eight of the U's last 14 league games are away from home.

By Carl Marston

FOURTEEN games stand between Colchester United and possible promotion to the Championship. The hard work starts now.

The run-in is tough, not least because eight of the U's last 14 league games are away from home.

Phil Parkinson's men also have an LDV Vans Trophy southern area final to look forward to, which will be played over two legs against Swansea City.

Colchester will not actually be in the top two when they travel to promotion rivals Barnsley this Saturday, but they remain favourites for promotion with most bookmakers.

Every match will be of paramount importance, but special significance will be placed on the home match against leaders and Essex rivals Southend United on Saturday, March 4, and the Layer Road clash with fellow high-fliers Brentford on Saturday, April 1.

The U's also face awkward away trips to play-off candidates Oldham and Chesterfield, plus a daunting fixture at Nottingham Forest.

But the signs are encouraging.

The U's have already played Swansea and Huddersfield twice, while many of their chief rivals will drop points by playing each other.

It could go to the wire, and Colchester's final match of the regular season is at Yeovil on May 6. It could be a nerve-racking day at Huish Park.