WHEN Colchester United and Southend United go head to head it is always explosive.

Sadly the teams haven’t faced each other since the U’s beat the Blues 2-0 in February 2010.

So to compensate for the gap in derby-day drama, two players have reignited the rivalry.

U’s midfielder David Wright and Blues defender John White are competing to see who can grow the best handlebar moustache and raise money for cancer charities.

Wright, 33, said: “I’ve enjoyed growing my moustache and helping raise money over the past f e w days, but now I’m up against John I’m more determined than ever to grow a top moustache before the month is out.

“I’m really hoping Colchester fans can help me raise plenty of money for Movember and beat the Southend fans in the quest to make the most for this fantastic cause."

White, who left the U’s in the summer after nine years and is now captain at Roots Hall, said: “I saw what David was doing with the handlebar and decided to have a go myself.

“I’ve done Movember before and obviously growing facial hair is not too difficult a thing to do to raise money for a good cause.

“I know people who have had it and beaten it and I’ve got family doing that now, but there are people who haven’t.”

The fundraising stunt is part of the Movember appeal.

Men across the globe grow facial hair every November to increase awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, and raise money for charities.

White, 27, said: “Raising awareness is just as important as raising money.

“This is about getting it through to men they have to check themselves over a bit more regularly than they do.

“It’s a man’s thing, saying ‘I’ll be fine’ and we put things off. I’d like to play a part in changing that.”