Colchester United have allowed youngster Ben Coker to join Blue Square Bet South side Chelmsford City on a month's loan.

Coker, who joined the U's from non-league club Bury Town in the summer, penned a two-year contract in the summer but suffered an ankle injury in pre-season that he has only recently recovered from.

Colchester manager John Ward: "We've allowed Ben to go out on loan and I'm happy for him to do that.

"I've spoken to Glenn Pennyfather and it will help them, it will help Ben and it'll help us.

"He's a developing player and I think he can do well."

For all of the latest Colchester United news, including Marc Tierney's exclusive column, see Thursday's Gazette.