John Ward

JOHN Ward admits that Colchester United’s disappointing defeat, and below-par display, at Yeovil on Tuesday night, has “shaken” his team ahead of today’s trip to Preston.

But that is not necessarily a negative reaction – the U’s will be on their guard to make sure it doesn’t happen again at Deepdale.

“We had a poor start at Yeovil, and the game has shaken us a little bit,” explained Ward, whose team trained at Stoke City during yesterday’s trip to Lancashire.

“We had such a bright pre-season, playing well against three Championship clubs (West Ham, Derby and Ipswich), and were looking forward to the start of the season.

“But it fell a bit flat on us at Yeovil. We made it hard going for ourselves.

“Now we have to make sure that there is a reaction at Preston, and I’m sure there will be.

“Preston are a very strong team, but I’m expecting a strong response from my team, “ added Ward.

Freddie Sears is set to return to the U’s side, after missing the Yeovil defeat due to a family bereavement.