Colchester United v Gillingham

GILLINGHAM travel to Colchester on Saturday with caretaker manager Ronnie Jepson having the luxury of a near fully-fit squad to choose from.

Jepson will be spoilt for choice as the Priestfield club look for their first away win in eight months with several players aiming to make the trip for the League 1 clash.

Chris Hope (calf) is a doubt but Andy Hessenthaler is hoping to return after a hamstring problem and Mike Flynn is back after suspension. Goalkeeper Jason Brown is also fit and ready to make his first start in two months.

Alan Pouton, Steve Hislop and Jon Wallis are the only players still out compared with the double-figure injury list that haunted previous boss Neale Cooper.

Jepson has been pleased with the players' response in his first two games at the helm as he approaches his first away match in charge, looking to halt a run of five straight defeats on the road.

He said: "I've got a plan of action and at the moment the players are doing well. It's a team game and that's what I'm trying to instill in my players.

"We've got a difficult game at Colchester and it will be a good test of us physically and mentally. They get forward a lot and will pose a massive aerial threat. Hopefully, we'll get something out of the game."

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