Tamer Fernandes is hoping to claim the number one jersey after saving two penalties in the reserves' 3-0 win over Brentford.

Keeper Fernades skippered Colchester United's second string in the victory over his old club, as the U's continue to do well in the top six of the Avon Insurance Combination.

Lomano Tresor Lua Lua scored twice after Paul Abrahams headed in a 15th minute opener.

Fernades has managed only three first team appearances for the U's this season.

But his good form in the second string and a costly mistake by regular keeper Carl Emberson against Manchester City could turn manager Mick Wadsworth's head.

Fernades said: "Carl has done well all season and his kicking has been pretty sound. He made a mistake against Manchester City and he held his hands up to it.

"The club are fortunate to have two good keepers but there is only one place and we have to fight it out. I'm also out of contract at the end of the season so I have to work hard to get a new one.

"Of course I would like to be in the first team and with ten games to go this season a lot can happen. I know the gaffer wasn't here to see how I played but I'm sure it will be reported back to him.

"I'm pleased with my form and I was happy with the way things went, saving two penalties and my long ball set up our third goal."

Fernades saved from former team-mate Paul Watson after five minutes and then denied Gavin Mahon in the second half.

He said: "I have never saved two penalties before and there were a lot of mind games going on, especially with the first one."

Abrahams, back in a familiar attacking role alongside Tony Adcock who played the first half, headed in the U's first from a Lua Lua cross.

Adcock headed on a Sam Okafor cross for Lua Lua to finish for the second. Jason Pearcey added the third in the dying minutes.

Fernandez - Saving everything.....

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