COLCHESTER United duo Carl Pentney and Sam Corcoran have joined East Anglian non-league clubs Chelmsford City and Lowestoft Town respectively on loan.

Keeper Pentney joins the Clarets until the end-of-the-season as the Essex club try and secure promotion from the Blue Square South (Step Two) into non-league’s top-flight.

The 21-year-old was released by Leicester City last summer and was signed as a third choice keeper by the U’s on a one-year deal last summer. He is yet to make a first team appearance for Colchester, but enjoyed a successful loan spell at Blue Square Premier side Bath City earlier this season.

Midfielder Corcoran joins the Trawlerboys on loan for a month as the Suffolk side chase a third successive promotion in the Ryman League Premier Division (Step Three).

The 20-year-old, who has made one late substitute appearance for the U’s first team, was released by manager Aidy Boothroyd last summer but resigned on a one-year deal when new boss John Ward took over.

“They’re both young players who need more competitive football than the reserve team set-up can offer them,” said Ward.

“The good thing is that they can continue to train with us and that we’re sending them out to clubs that we trust.

“It can only enhance what they’re doing and everyone should benefit in this situation, both the clubs and the players themselves.”

– For all the latest U’s news, see tomorrow’s EADT.