Penney hopes for same again

ATHLETIC are likely to be unchanged once more for the stiff test at Colchester.

No new injuries have been reported this week and the newly-settled starting line-up looks set to stay intact again as manager Dave Penney plots a third victory in four matches at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday.

There has been only one change in the last three matches, with the recovering Chris Taylor starting in place of Danny Whitaker against Walsall.

The Colchester game is likely to come too soon for midfielder Jon Worthington, who made an unexpected playing comeback in Monday’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Manchester United at Carrington.

Worthington has been sidelined since the middle of October after surgery to repair ankle ligament damage.

Despite the club’s injury situation easing, manager Penney is still exploring the possibility of bringing in another player on loan - most likely a striker to boost forward-line options. However, there is no sign of an imminent deal.

Athletic already have Alex Marrow, Jim Goodwin, goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan and Jason Price on loan and Football League clubs can only turn out five loan players in any one playing squad.

Penney is also expected to make an early decision on whether or not to offer a deal to winger Simon Whaley who has been on trial at Boundary Park after being released by Norwich City. The 24-year-old has played a couple of trial games with the club.

Athletic, who are gearing up for their toughest sequence of matches so far this season - they face the top three in League One (Colchester, Leeds and Norwich) in successive fixtures - are offering fans an incentive for March when four of their six games are at home.

Supporters will be able to gain admission to three matches - Leyton Orient, Wycombe Wanderers and Brighton for a total of £30 - half the normal matchday price.See page 34 for details.