Now we are ready to go!

The new Second Division kick-off is just five days away and Colchester United boss Steve Whitton is in confident mood after his U's squad wrapped up their pre-season programme with a morale-boosting win over First Division Wimbledon.

Scott McGleish's first minute goal handed the U's their fourth win in seven friendly outings - they drew one and lost two of the other three - and Whitton said: "The big kick-off cannot come quickly enough for us.

"I know what my starting line-up is going to be, but even though our pre-season games have gone very well, we still need sharpening up all through the team.

Find out more about Colchester United "I have seen a lot of encouraging things, but the lads must still sharpen their minds and think more about the game.

"We will be working hard on those aspects of our performance this week."

The U's boss highlighted those points when singling out goalkeepers Andy Woodman and Simon Clark as the star men in Saturday's one-goal win over the Dons at Layer Road.

Whitton said: "I think this clean sheet was a testament to our two keepers. Both of them were outstanding.

"We conceded a bit of ground. We let their two centre forwards come off and turn and cause us a few problems. We know what the problem is and hopefully we'll put it right next time."

Of the performance up front of new signing Kevin Rapley, Whitton added: "He's a good lad. He works hard and he just needs a couple of goals to give him confidence."

The U's reserves wrap up their pre-season friendlies with a game against Harlow tonight and Whitton said it would be a chance for one or two players and triallists to show what they can do.

The U's boss is also heartened by the news that Jason Dozzell, who has not played since the Boxing Day defeat at Millwall, resumed full training on Monday.

The former Spurs and Ipswich man has responded well to the latest injection to clear up a toe injury that at one time threatened to bring a premature end to his career.

My ball - David Gregory shrugs aside the attentions of a Wimbledon rival

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