Patience is the key word tonight for a patched-up Colchester United side who could give youngster Greg Halford his first taste of FA Cup football against Accrington Stanley.
Nationwide League Second Division U's meet the ambitious Conference part-timers at Layer Road in a third-round replay after a goalless first tie in Lancashire ten days ago.
Waiting in the wings - Greg Halford could be in line for FA Cup action tonight Picture: ROB SAMBROOK
And with regulars Karl Duguid, Andy Myers, Gavin Johnson and Bobby Bowry all missing, plus Liam Chilvers very doubtful, 19-year-old Halford and fellow youngsters Tristan Toney and Craig Johnston could figure in the game along with recalled French midfielder Thomas Pinault.
Play-anywhere Halford has already made four first team appearances this season, the latest, a starring role as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 1-1 League draw with Barnsley.
Frustrated U's boss Phil Parkinson said: "We are down to the bare bones.
"We are going to need a lot of patience, especially from the fans, because I expect Accrington to sit back and let us have a lot of the ball.
"Our supporters have a big part to play. I don't want them to start getting uptight.
"If we all remain patient I'm sure we can go on and finish the job."
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Published Tuesday January 13, 2004
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