Colchester United pair Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon have gone out on loan to Essex rivals Southend United.

The duo will spend the rest of the season at Roots Hall.

Striker Vernon has just returned from three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury but scored a hat-trick for the U's in Wednesday's 7-1 thrashing of Maldon Town in the Essex Senior Cup.

Defender Baldwin has opted to join Southend despite ongoing interest from Bristol Rovers.

Neither player will be available to play for the Shrimpers when they visit the Weston Homes Community Stadium on February 8.