COLCHESTER United's loan pair of Scott Vernon and Jamal Campbell-Ryce did their chances of first-team action no harm at all, following fine individual displays for the Reserves yesterday.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's loan pair of Scott Vernon and Jamal Campbell-Ryce did their chances of first-team action no harm at all, following fine individual displays for the Reserves yesterday.

Both Vernon and Campbell-Ryce hit the target as the U's Reserves beat Essex rivals Southend 3-0 in a Pontins Combination fixture.

Striker Vernon, who is on loan from Blackpool for the rest of the season, scored his second goal in two outings for the Reserves, with an early strike. So far, the 22-year-old has made just one senior appearance for the U's, as a substitute in the goal-less draw at Doncaster Rovers.

Solomon Pinnock, a triallist attacker from non-league Dulwich Hamlet, added the U's second goal just before the interval. Colchester defender George Elokobi is another former Dulwich Hamlet player.

Winger Campbell-Ryce, who had a successful loan spell at Southend earlier in the season, netted against his old club in the second period. Campbell-Ryce beat several defenders before applying a lethal finish.

Both Vernon and Campbell-Ryce will be hoping to figure for the U's on the big stage this weekend - Phil Parkinson's men are at former European Cup winners Nottingham Forest.

U's supporters have already snapped up more than 500 tickets for this eagerly-awaited clash at the City Ground. Forest have sneaked into the League One play-off picture in recent weeks, following a good run of results, coupled with the indifferent form of the teams above them.