COLCHESTER UNITED make the relatively short trip to Leyton Orient tomorrow.
The U’s will come face-to-face with former boss Geraint Williams for the first time when the sides clash at Brisbane Road. Williams ten-year accosiation with the U’s ended in September after a disappointing start to the season. The Welshmen is likely to get a pleasant reception from the majority of travelling U’s fans.
The U’s will be looking to bounce-back from last weekend’s defeat to Leeds United, while the O’s drew with them in their midweek match.
Colchester manager Paul Lambert told BBC Essex: ‘I don’t want to give these final five games up easily. I want to keep winning and finish as high as we possibly can in the league.
‘I know Scott McGleish from when I had him at Wycombe and he did absolutely brilliantly for me.
‘He’s still playing really fine and I think one of the secrets to this league is getting people who can score you goals.’
Scott McGleish is set to earn a recall after missing out midweek due to a calf problem, so Wayne Gray will drop to the bench.
Attacking duo Adam Boyd (ankle) and Jason Demetriou (suspension) are both unavailable.
The ex-U’s goal-getter is currently in his third spell with the O’s after joining in a loan deal. McGleish is more than capable of causing a number of problems.
Front-man Steven Gillespie is unlikely to be risked back to early following an ankle injury.
Johnnie Jackson (hamstring) is ruled out of the game and possibly for the season.
Centre-half Paul Reid (knee), along with returned loanee Matt Heath (groin) will also miss out.
Matt Lockwood, another player back following a loan spell, could feature.
The Irish wing-wizard is arguably one of the best talents in League One when on the top of his game. However, Yeates needs to start producing the goods on a consistent basis and will be looking to put in a good performance tomorrow.
Colchester 1-0 Leyton Orient
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Colchester: Walker, Maybury, Reid, Baldwin, Tierney, Izzet (Jackson 69), Hammond, Perkins, Yeates (White 75), Vernon, Gillespie (Platt 70).
Subs Not Used: Gerken, Wordsworth.
Booked: Tierney, Izzet, Maybury.
Goals: Gillespie 39 pen.
Leyton Orient: Morris, Cave-Brown, Mkandawire, Saah, Purches, Jarvis (Melligan 73), Chambers, Thornton, Demetriou, Parkin (Dawkins 65), Boyd (Morgan 65).
Subs Not Used: Jones, Spence.
Sent Off: Thornton (82).
Booked: Demetriou, Thornton, Jarvis, Chambers, Melligan, Cave-Brown.
Attendance: 6,290
Referee: Graham Scott (Devon)
Referee: Darren Deadman – From Cambridgeshire
Assistants: R Kendall and W Linden
Fourth Official: D Belbin
StevieG Col U’s prediction: I’ll go for a hard-fought 2-1 win for the U’s!
What do you think the score will be?
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Who? Brighton & Hove Albion
Where? Weston Homes Community Stadium
When? Monday, 13th April – 15:00