York City are preparing a Reading backlash for new boys Colchester United.

Manager Alan Little said his Minstermen were eager to return to action tomorrow after losing out on a trip to big-spending reading in midweek.

City's outing to the Royals' brand new Madejski Stadium home was called off because of international duty and that rankled with the Minstermen.

Said Little: "They were all very disappointed not to have been able to play at Reading. Everyone was looking forward to a big game.

But now that's gone the players want to try to maintain the good form they have shown over the last two games. We need to be putting some sort of run together now."

Little insisted City would not be taking anything for granted against the U's. After having had them watched against Stoke City, who are led by his brother Brian, Little labelled Colchester as potentially more stubborn opponents than last week's vanquished visitors Wycombe.

But he added: "If we keep playing and passing the way we have then we shouldn't have to worry too much about our opponents. We are playing with style and if we repeat that it should take care of Colchester."

With midfielder Steve Agnew not quite fully recovered from the hamstring injury suffered in the win at Burnley two weeks ago City will be unchanged, the eye-catching Martin Garratt continuing in midfield.

A hamstring injury has ruled on-loan defender Guy Branston out of Colchester's line-up. But striker Tony Lock is back after a similar injury sustained on the first day of the season, while one of full-back duo Joe Dunne and Scott Stamps may be recalled.

l Club captain Tony Barras came through yesterday's behind closed doors friendly with Grimsby Town unscathed and could be just 90 minutes away from a return to the first team.

The centre half played 70 minutes of the 1-1 draw at the Mariners' training ground and Little was satisfied with the players' progress.

City fell behind in the first half but equalised after the break when Rory Prendergast, playing his first game since his car accident, seized on an error by the hosts' goalkeeper.

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