COLCHESTER United will hope to gatecrash a party when they make their first-ever trip to Salford City tomorrow.

The U's should encounter a buoyant atmosphere at Moor Lane - or the Peninsula Stadium, as it is known for sponsorship purposes - after the Manchester club secured a return trip to Wembley Stadium.

Graham Alexander's men booked their place in the Leasing.com Trophy final after a penalty shoot-out victory against Newport County, on Wednesday night.

The League Two sides could not be separated in 90 minutes but Salford won 6-5 on spot-kicks and will now face League One Portsmouth on Sunday, April 5.

It represents a quick return to the national stadium for Salford, who were promoted last season after beating AFC Fylde to secure their English Football League place in May.

But while it will undoubtedly be a special and memorable occasion, Alexander will be urging his players to remain focused on important league points - starting with tomorrow's visit of the U's.

Salford are sitting in mid-table but still have an outside chance of sneaking a play-off place.

Colchester would therefore represent an important scalp for them, sitting seventh and eight points better off.

The Ammies' recent form has been solid and they head into tomorrow's match after just one defeat in their last seven league outings.

That was a slender 3-2 reverse against Plymouth Argyle but in that time there were wins against Forest Green Rovers, Cambridge United and Stevenage, in addition to draws against Oldham Athletic, Port Vale and Crawley Town.

Their home record is hardly spectacular, though, and they have only won one of their last ten at the Peninsula Stadium, against Crewe.

Salford recently signed former Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson on a short-term deal until the end of the season; the 32-year-old having been training with the club after his release by Championship side Wigan Athletic.

Adam Rooney is their seven-goal top-scorer, in League Two.

Brandon Thomas-Asante, who grabbed the winner against Stevenage, has six and Jake Jervis five.