Colchester United boss Joe Dunne has decided against fielding his first team in their Essex Senior Cup match against Billericay Town tonight.

The U’s boss had suggested he could play all of his senior players in the fourth-round tie at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).

A furious Dunne said he was contemplating naming a strong side to take on their Ryman League Premier opponents, in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers, last Saturday.

But although the likes of Dominic Vose and Mark Cousins are set to feature, he says that it is likely to be a mostly young side that takes to the pitch against Billericay.

Dunne said: “It probably won’t be the pros.

“We will certainly use that fixture as an opportunity, because there’s players that need games.

“But it’s likely to be the young ones and I don’t want to sacrifice their development in any way.”

See Tuesday's Daily Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.