TOM Eastman is getting used to facing imposing, physical strikers in League Two, but he will be particularly aware of the threats of the one he's likely to be facing when Colchester United head to Carlisle United tomorrow.

The U's head to the site of one of their most memorable dates in recent years, having secured League One survival at Brunton Park with a 2-0 win there on the final day of the 2012/13 season.

It was a game the U's had to win to stay up and having scored the second of those two goals, central defender Eastman admits it's a day that will stick in his memory for a long time.

"I'll remember that game for a long time and it helps when you score a goal as well," said the 24-year-old centre-half.

"It was a massive game.

"It was the first real relegation battle that we'd had really and going in needing three points, it was a great performance from the boys.

"Obviously scoring the goal made it very special and all the celebrations afterwards were amazing."

However, it is very different circumstances that the U's head to the North West this time with the two clubs now battling to get out of League Two rather than to stay in the tier above.

After being relegated at the end of last season, Colchester are having to learn about the new level as they go and Eastman said there are different challenges that he and his fellow defenders are having to get used to.

"It's a bit different," he added.

"Quite a few of the teams have big powerful strikers and most of the sides we've played against have had two up top.

"They're usually big lads, whereas League One they are maybe not so big and perhaps a bit smarter.

"It's just finding ways to win games against different teams."

Eastman has played a pivotal role in keeping the likes of Adebayo Akinfenwa and John Akinde quiet in games so far this year, but he is about to face another imposing striker who he knows well.

Carlisle striker Jabo Ibehre played alongside Eastman for the U's for a season and a half and having faced him many time in training, the Colchester man knows what challenges will be on their way.

He said: "Jabo's a very tough guy to come up against and can be unstoppable on his day.

"He's big and strong, but we've played against a few people like that already this season and done OK.

"We know it will be tough and he'll give us a tough game but I think whoever is selected can cope with that.

"Each player is different.

"I wouldn't say I look forward to playing against that type of player, but I'm looking forward to seeing Jabo again.

"I'm sure he'll want to put one over his old club with a goal or two and we just have to try and stop him doing that."