Colchester United's Wembley FA Trophy-winning hero Steve McGavin was due to be back in U's colours yesterday.

And there was a return to action for record signing Neil Gregory - transfer-listed by Whitton several weeks ago - who is back in the Layer Road fold after completing a three-month loan spell with North American League side Boston Bulldogs.

U's boss Steve Whitton revealed he planned to play both players in yesterday's Avon Insurance Combination home clash against neighbouring Ipswich Town, provided McGavin's release from Northampton Town had been finalised.

Whitton said on Monday: "Steve was due to sign his release from Northampton today. If he does free himself he will be looking for another club again and I will have a look at him, along with Neil Gregory, in the reserves tomorrow."

Magical midfielder McGavin, a key member of Roy McDonough's 1991-92 U's Trophy and GM Vauxhall Conference double winning squad, has been trying his luck with Northampton and Southend following his release from Wycombe Wanderers last February.

The U's originally bought McGavin from Sudbury Town for £10,000 seven years ago before transferring him to Birmingham City for £150,000 less than two years later.

He subsequently moved on to Wycombe for £140,000 14 months later.

Meanwhile, it was a happier Whitton who surveyed the Second Division table after the weekend where the U's had moved up a place to third from bottom following Friday night's last-gasp 2-2 home draw with Wrexham.

"The lads needed that result," said Whitton "Especially as they had worked so hard to end up with nothing at Millwall a week earlier. Not losing was important. We want to do well in all our home matches and the result has worked wonders for the lads' confidence.

"They showed a lot of character to come from behind twice. Their heads could so easily have gone down, and would have done earlier in the season.

"Richard Wilkins' last-ditch equaliser in the third minute of injury time saved our bacon and it proved it's never to late - when Manchester United score in injury time they are called a good team."

Karl Duguid netted the other U's goal while Gareth Owen and substitute Andy Morrell twice put Wrexham ahead.

Duguid delight - U's marksman Karl celebrates after scoring the first goal against Wrexham.

Picture: STEVE BRADING

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.