U's gunning for three

COLCHESTER United will be gunning for a hat-trick of victories in the Championship, when they take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road this evening.Having suffered five defeats on the bounce at the start of the season, the U's are climbing the table after beating Derby County 4-3 at Layer Road, and then poaching a gritty 2-1 win at Burnley on Saturday.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United will be gunning for a hat-trick of victories in the Championship, when they take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road this evening.

Having suffered five defeats on the bounce at the start of the season, the U's are climbing the table after beating Derby County 4-3 at Layer Road, and then poaching a gritty 2-1 win at Burnley on Saturday.

“Confidence is high after these back-to-back wins,” insisted manager Geraint Williams last night.

“Winning breeds confidence, but just because we've won two matches doesn't mean to say that we are the finished article. At least, though, we have shown that we can win both home and away.

“Luton are a strong team. We know all about Rowan Vine, from his days at Colchester. He scored a lot of goals for us from the left wing, but at Luton he's been operating as a striker.”

U's boss Williams will be sweating over a trio of fitness tests, with Kem Izzet, John White and Johnnie Jackson all hoping to be passed fit. Midfielder Jackson has not played for a month, but he is the most likely to feature after recovering from a groin problem.

Defender White will probably miss out, after picking up a hip injury during Saturday's win at Turf Moor, while midfielder Izzet is struggling after injuring his ankle in the same match.

Greg Halford began Saturday's game at right-back, but moved into central midfield when Izzet was stretchered off.

Williams said: “Greg did very well. He can play in a number of positions, and I would have no qualms about him playing in central midfield again.”

In fact, Halford has happy memories of the U's last trip to Luton. He scored with a towering header in a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road on December 28, 2004. The Hatters were top of the table at the time, and went on to win League One that season.

Williams continued: “John (White) had a little run in the morning, but the hip still feels a bit sore. Kem (Izzet) did not train, but he had a little jog and we are hopeful. At least it's not as bad as first feared.

“We took Johnnie Jackson to Burnley with us. He played in a practice game on the Friday, but it was obvious that he was still short of match-fitness.

“However, he's had a couple more days of training, so he's in contention.”