RICHARD Garcia proved that his injury problems are behind him, after scoring in Colchester United Reserves' 3-0 win over Norwich City's second string at Layer Road yesterday afternoon.

By Carl Marston

RICHARD Garcia proved that his injury problems are behind him, after scoring in Colchester United Reserves' 3-0 win over Norwich City's second string at Layer Road yesterday afternoon.

Australian attacker Garcia has not played for the first team since injuring his ankle during the first half of the 2-1 defeat at Coventry City on October 23.

But he played the full 90 minutes in yesterday's Pontins Combination clash, and is pushing for a place in the senior squad for this Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.

In fact, competition for places is hotting up after Jamie Guy and Hogan Ephraim, who were both substitutes in the 0-0 draw at Cardiff last Saturday, were also on target against the Canaries.

Manager Geraint Williams revealed: “Richard (Garcia) came through the full match fine. He scored with a header at the far post, over the keeper, while Jamie (Guy) also scored after Garry Richards had flicked on a corner.

“Hogan (Ephraim) scored a clever goal, after a neat one-two with Garcia. It was a good run-out for what was an experienced team, against an experienced Norwich side.”

The U's Reserves have moved up to third in the Combination table.