FORMER Ipswich Town midfielder Ian Westlake played an hour for Colchester United’s reserves last night as they drew 0-0 with Essex rivals Southend United in a totesport.com East Combination League fixture.
Clacton-born Westlake, 27, was released by League Two side Wycombe Wanderers earlier this month and has been training with the U’s for just over a week to keep his match fitness levels high while he aims to find a new club.
The U’s used last night’s fixture in Maldon to take a look at four teenage trialists from Premier League and Championship club Academies.
Defenders Zaine Francis Angol, 17, and Olumide Durojaiye, 18, (both Tottenham) and strikers Matthew Reece (Fulham), 17, and Jonathan Birbeck (Leeds), 18, all started the match.
Teenage striker Craig Arnott – who has recently signed a professional contract with the club – hit the bar for Colchester, while Birbeck twice tested the keeper with half volleys from the edge of the box.
John-Joe O’Toole once again played as he continues his recovery from a 10-month spell out with a knee injury.
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