Williams to run rule over triallists

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams will cast his eye over triallists Kevin Lisbie and Bela Balogh for a second time this evening, in a pre-season friendly at Cambridge United (kick-off 7.45pm).

Former Charlton Athletic front-runner Lisbie, who is on the lookout for a new club after being released by the Addicks this summer, impressed during 45 minutes of action at Heybridge Swifts on Saturday. The Jamaican international scored the opener in a 3-0 victory.

Lisbie could turn out to be a suitable replacement for Jamie Cureton. He has pace, and developed an early understanding with target-man Clive Platt at Scraley Road, although he has not been a prolific goalscorer during his career.

Balogh, meanwhile, could bolster the central-defensive department which has been weakened by Wayne Brown's recent move to Hull City for £450,000.

Hungarian international Balogh, who has played seven games for his country, is set to be given a second run-out at Cambridge tonight.

Fellow centre-half Garry Richards did not feature at all against Heybridge, due to personal reasons, but he will be in the squad both for the Cambridge and Chelmsford City fixtures, the latter of which takes place tomorrow evening.

Left-winger Mark Yeates missed Saturday's Essex derby with a thigh strain, but he too should figure over the next couple of days.

However, high-profile signing, Teddy Sheringham, is still nursing a calf injury and so will not resume ball-work in training until later in the week.

“I might give a few of the lads an hour's work-out, rather than just 45 minutes,” revealed Williams.

“It's too soon for Teddy at the moment. He had a scan, and the results were fine, so he should be doing ball-work at the end of the week.”

Blue Square Premier Division side Cambridge, who are managed by Jimmy Quinn, were beaten 2-1 at home by Championship visitors Plymouth on Saturday.