FRANKIE Kent insists Colchester United’s players are relishing the prospect of taking on Cambridge United in a ‘winner-takes-all’ contest tonight.

The U’s travel to the Abbey Stadium knowing that a victory will send them through to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy, following their Group B triumph over Essex rivals Southend United last month.

Colchester face their former manager Joe Dunne tonight in their clash – and defender Kent says it is all to play for.

Kent told the Gazette: “We know that it’s going to be a good game and a tough game.

“It’s a little bit of a derby as well and it’s winner takes all, so we want to go through to the next round.

“It wasn’t our day (at Accrington) but we go again on Tuesday.”

Kent admits Colchester were left to rue their missed opportunities against Accrington Stanley, after bowing out of the FA Cup.

The U’s were beaten 1-0 by their League One hosts at the Crown Ground, despite producing a solid performance in the first-round tie.

“We started really well (against Accrington) and we had chances in the first 20 to 25 minutes,” said Kent.

“We could have been two goals up but we kept doing what we wanted to do and it was just unfortunate that we couldn’t quite get it in the net.

“It wasn’t ideal with the injuries but Dillon (Barnes) and Pross (Luke Prosser) have played most of the season anyway, so we just had to chop and change a little bit but we dealt with it.

“It probably took a bit of momentum out of us but other than that, I thought we did alright.

“We missed chances in both the first and second half but we gave a good account of ourselves against a strong League One team.

“We were pleased with the way we played but disappointed with the result.

“The goal we conceded could have been dealt with better defensively but we go again on Tuesday.”

Kent had to deal with an early defensive reshuffle at Accrington, after his fellow centre-back Tom Eastman suffered a head injury inside the opening minute of the tie.

Eastman was replaced by skipper Luke Prosser at the back but Kent insists his team-mate will bounce back.

Kent added: “Tom’s Tom – he’ll be able to deal with it well enough.

“He’s got a bit of a lump on his head but he’ll be alright.”