Jackson gets back in action for U's

By Carl Marston

JOHNNIE Jackson enjoyed 90 minutes of action for Colchester United Reserves in yesterday's goalless draw against Leyton Orient's second string in a Pontins Combination fixture at Layer Road.

Summer signing Jackson had featured in the U's first three games of this season, only to hobble off with a leg injury early in the second half of the 2-1 home defeat by Barnsley on August 12.

The former Tottenham midfielder was on the comeback trail, until picking up a groin strain in training, which put him back another couple of weeks. He has been an unused substitute in the U's last two outings.

Manager Geraint Williams said: “Johnnie (Jackson) needed this 90 minutes. It was the first time he had played since the injury at Barnsley.

“He came through OK and he enjoyed the game. In fact, it's a game that we should have won, because we missed two or three great chances.

“Some of the other first-team lads like John White and Jamie Guy also had a game, although Kevin McLeod came off before half time after taking a bang on the head. He was feeling a little light-headed, so we substituted him as a precaution,” added Williams.

Left-sided midfielder McLeod, signed from Swansea City before the transfer deadline, has made three appearances as a substitute. He could well be on the bench again for this Saturday's visit to Leicester City.

Meanwhile, keeper Aidan Davison returned to light training yesterday, after missing last weekend's 2-1 victory over QPR with a groin injury. Davison's absence enabled deputy Dean Gerken to enjoy his first-ever appearance in the Championship.

Williams revealed: “Aidan (Davison) joined in with the lads in doing an aerobic work-out. He's coming along fine, and he should be fit for selection this weekend.”

An unbeaten run of four games, comprising three wins and a draw, has seen the U's rise to 16th in the table.