INJURY-plagued Kevin Watson enjoyed a run-out for Colchester United Reserves yesterday, although Teddy Sheringham is still waiting to make his competitive return.

By Carl Marston

INJURY-plagued Kevin Watson enjoyed a run-out for Colchester United Reserves yesterday, although Teddy Sheringham is still waiting to make his competitive return.

Watson has not played at all this term, due initially to a sore Achilles tendon that flared up towards the end of pre-season.

More recently, the 33-year-old has been nursing a calf problem, which has stemmed from the Achilles injury.

But the U's experienced midfielder played for an hour during yesterday afternoon's Pontin's Combination fixture against Norwich City, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Former youth teamers Tom Webb and Anthony Wordsworth were on target for the Essex hosts.

U's boss Geraint Williams confirmed: "It was always the intention for Kevin (Watson) to ease back gently with an hour's action.

“He enjoyed it, and he played well.

"Kevin McLeod has been suffering from flu recently, and he also made an appearance.

“Likewise, we are only easing him back because we have no game this weekend.

“Teddy (Sheringham) did not figure, but he is back running with Tony (Flynn).

“He will start training after that," added Williams.

Norwich were the more dangerous team in the first-half and they took the lead through David Strikavka, only for teenage striker Webb to equalise via a fine pass from Luke Guttridge.

The Canaries regained the lead in the second period, but England under-17 international Medy Elito earned the U's a penalty after his strong run into the box was ended by a trip.

Midfielder Wordsworth converted the spot kick.

U's fans will be hoping that Sheringham makes good progress on his comeback from a hamstring injury, which has dragged on for a few weeks. The 41-year-old has now missed half of the 10 league games.

Centre-half Matthew Connolly, full-back John White and keeper Aidan Davison were also put through their paces yesterday.

All three travelled to Stoke City last Saturday but played no part in a 2-1 defeat.

This weekend's break for internationals means that the U's do not play again until entertaining West Brom on Saturday, October 20.