COLCHESTER United duo Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon have both joined Essex rivals Southend United on loan until the end of the season.Vernon's switch comes after he scored a hat-trick for the U's in the Essex Senior Cup on Wednesday night - his first game in three months following an ankle injury.

Stuart Watson

COLCHESTER United duo Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon have both joined Essex rivals Southend United on loan until the end of the season.

Vernon's switch comes after he scored a hat-trick for the U's in the Essex Senior Cup on Wednesday night - his first game in three months following an ankle injury.

And Baldwin has opted for a loan move to Roots Hall after failing to agree terms over a permanent switch to Bristol Rovers.

Due to the terms of their loan moves, neither Baldwin or Vernon will be able to play against Colchester when Southend visit the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Monday, February 8.

The duo become the third and fourth players to make the journey down the A12 this season following loan spells for John White and Matt Heath at the start of the campaign.