COLCHESTER United head coach Steve Ball says they will have no fear heading into their League Two opener at Bradford City tomorrow.

The U’s kick-off their league campaign with a trip to play the Bantams at Valley Parade, this weekend.

Bradford have been tipped by many to be one of the main challengers for promotion in League Two, this season.

However, while he respects their hosts’ qualities, boss Ball says his players will not be scared of what awaits them.

Ball said: “We’ll go to Bradford with absolutely no fear.

“Bradford have a really strong squad with lots of experience and lots of quality.

"They have lots of power and pace and a really good manager in Stuart (McCall), who's coached at the top level.

"I put them up there as one of the top three teams to get out of the league, this season - I think they're a club geared for that.

“But I want us to go there and challenge these teams this year and show what a good side we are.

“It feels like the start of the season – I can’t deny that.

“Obviously both cup games are really important to the club and unfortunately, we’ve had a couple of defeats.

“But this is where the season starts.

“I always looked at the fixture list and thought Bradford away is our real main start.

“Everything (on Thursday) has been geared around that and the boys can’t wait.

“There’s a real sense of excitement; they can feel it too because it’s the start of the season, so let’s hope that we can go there and get a win.”

Colchester have lost their first two cup matches this season, against Reading and Portsmouth.

But Ball nevertheless took plenty of encouragement from the respective Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy games, despite the defeats.

He said: “I think anyone who’s watched those two games will see a vibrant team, passing the ball and movement with some real quality at times.

“Obviously we want an end product more than we have done but I’m really positive in what I’ve seen so far.

“We have to tidy up defensively on some goals conceded but I’m feeling really good at the minute and I’m in a good place to see some of the things that are developing out there.”

Tom Lapslie and Diaz Wright (both knee) are both sidelined for the U’s, this weekend.