Colchester United have received a bye into the second round of the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy.

COLCHESTER United have received a bye into the second round of the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy.

Last season the U’s went out on penalties to Gillingham in the first round of the competition, but already they are guaranteed to reach the second round this time around.

Also receiving byes in the Southern Section are Barnet, Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, Hereford United, Milton Keynes Dons, Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe Wanderers.

Once the second round gets under way, the U’s will face the other teams in the South East section, with potential opponents coming from the following eight teams:

Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Charlton Ath, Dagenham & Red, Gillingham, Leyton Orient, Southend Utd and Stevenage Borough.

The draw for the first round takes place on Sky Sports on Saturday, August 14.