Palmer misses out for Crawley

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

Crawley must again do without suspended leading goalscorer Ollie Palmer for the Sky Bet League Two match against Colchester.

Palmer will serve out the final match of a five-game ban which came in the wake of a disciplinary charge after his red card against Northampton on December 4.

Right-back David Sesay made a first league start in the goalless draw at Newport County on Saturday, so could retain his place, with midfielders Dannie Bulman and Reece Grego-Cox having also been drafted in by head coach Gabriele Cioffi.

Midfielder Filipe Morais (hand) is closing in on a return, while defender Lewis Young (calf) and midfielder Jimmy Smith (knee) both continue their recovery.

Colchester made two changes for Saturday’s goalless draw at home against Morecambe, with wing-back Kane Vincent-Young and midfielder Brandon Comley coming into the team.

Striker Luke Norris apologised after showing his frustration at being substituted heading into the final 15 minutes, and it remains to be seen whether he will retain his place.

Centre-half Tom Eastman and midfielder Harry Pell both dropped to the bench, but could be in contention should U’s boss John McGreal look to freshen up the side.

On-loan Wolves forward Aaron Collins was again not included in the match-day squad, with suggestions he could be set to return to his parent club in January.