It was back to the training ground for Colchester United's players yesterday (Monday) to sharpen up their game in both penalty areas.

U's boss Steve Whitton is unhappy with his team's lack of awareness in and around both boxes -- qualities sadly missing in their 2-0 home defeat to highflying Northampton Town on Saturday.

"I've said it many times before and I'll go on saying it -- the lads have to be more ruthless in both penalty boxes," said Whitton.

"It's no good having most of the possession, as we did against Northampton, if we don't then turn it into goals.

"We will be spending a lot of time this week on sharpening up our finishing and being more aware around each goal. I will not be happy until those qualities become a part of our natural game."

Despite his obvious disappointment at the U's failure to make the most of the lion's share of possession, Whitton said: "In fairness to Northampton you can see why they are so high in the table.

"They put in a good away performance, but I'm sure we would have gone on to win the game had we scored the first goal."

Whitton also felt the U's should have had a penalty when striker Steve McGavin was tripped in the area as early as the 12th minute.

Meanwhile, Whitton's search for new players goes on following the return to their respective clubs of on-loan strikers Mark Nicholls of Chelsea and the injured Keith Scott of Reading.

Whitton did point out, however, that he is likely to rekindle his interest in Scott -- who enjoyed his one-month spell at Layer Road -- when the player is fit again.

He said: "Keith did a good job for us before his injury at Peterborough. He enjoyed playing at Colchester and should be back in action in around five weeks."

With York City's former Southend striker set to sign loan forms this week, the U's have also taken 25-year-old Irish striker Gary Haylock on trial for a short spell.

The Shelbourne goal-getter, a team-mate of former U's favourite Tony McCarthy, has recently been on loan to Glenavon and is initially expected to stay at Layer Road for a week.

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