COLCHESTER boss John Ward looks poised to name an unchanged starting line-up for the third successive league game.

COLCHESTER United boss John Ward looks poised to name an unchanged starting line-up for the third successive league game, against basement dwellers Leyton Orient this afternoon.

Ward made six changes for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Barnet 10 days ago, but he seems to have a settled league side.

The same cannot be said of Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade, who was powerless to prevent his No. 1 striker, Andy Revell, from moving to Rotherham on a two-year deal on transfer deadline day last week.

Then came the double blow of a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit on Wednesday evening, after a marathon penalty shoot-out, and a spate of injuries.

The O’s lost 14-13 to Dagenham & Redbridge in an epic shoot-out, after Colchester old boy David Mooney had netted an equaliser in a 1-1 draw during normal time.

But injuries to skipper Stephen Dawson (ankle), defender Elliott Omozusi (calf) and striker Jonathan Tehoue (suspected broken arm) have ruled them out today.

On the plus side, Slade signed both former Colchester and Ipswich striker Kevin Lisbie (free agent on a four-month contract), and midfielder Tom Clarke (on loan from Huddersfield) yesterday afternoon.

Both are in today’s squad, and both could even start.