Southend United midfielders Carl Pettefer and Mark Bentley are both expected to be fit for the start of the season after playing 40 minutes in last night's 0-0 draw with Brighton at Roots Hall.
Back in action - Blues midfielder Mark Bentley (left) hopes to be fit for the start of the season following a run out against Brighton last night Picture: ANNA LUKALA
Pettefer had been sidelined since April with a broken leg, while Bentley missed the Shrimpers' last four friendlies with an ankle problem sustained at East Thurrock United.
But having made an unexpected return to the starting line-up against the Seagulls, the fit again duo are hoping to keep their places for next Saturday's League Two curtain raiser with Cheltenham Town.
"It was brilliant to be out there again," said Pettefer.
"It was the first time I had played for a few months and it was good to be back. I didn't feel too bad either, certainly better than I thought I would anyway."
And the hard-working winger also revealed he had suffered no further reaction after his lengthy lay-off.
"I feel fine," he declared. "Hopefully I'll play at least at half now on Saturday at Grays, improve my fitness and then we'll see how it goes.
"Fingers crossed I'll be OK to start against Cheltenham though."
Published Thursday July 29, 2004
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