Colchester United's Wembley winning skipper Richard Wilikins will be missing when the U's wrap up their pre-season programme with games against Gateshead and Workington this weekend.

The former Layer Road captain has a neck injury which has prevented him from making the trip north for the U's last two friendly outings before next week's big Division Two kick-off.

"Wilkie has a stiff neck which prevents him from playing this weekend," said U's assistant manager Steve Whitton.

"But he should be OK by the time we are due to start our season at Chesterfield next Saturday."

Wilkins is one of three senior players who have not made the trip north today.

Player-coach Geraint Williams and midfielder Steve Forbes have not shrugged off knee injuries suffered in earlier pre-season matches.

The U's play the first of their northern friendlies tonight (Friday) when they meet former GM Vauxhall Conference rivals Gateshead who now play in the Unibond League premier division.

This will be followed by the game against Workington AFC - now of the North West Counties League division one - on Saturday afternoon.

Both matches are being played at Workington's Borough Park ground.

Whitton said: "It's very similar to last weekend's tournament at Southend. We see the trip as the perfect end to our pre-season preparations before we start winding up next week for the start of our new League season."

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