for the fourth successive year, colchester failed to reach the second round of the league cup following defeat by charlton athletic, and despite a bye to the second round of the football league trophy, gillingham won 4–2 on penalties at the colchester community stadium. colchester did reach the third round of the fa cup, featuring in two televised matches. cardiff city comfortably beat the u's 3–1 following a first round win at gosport borough and a second round victory at home to peterborough united.