Williams not ready for Dale

Colchester's trip to Rochdale will come too soon for goalkeeper Ben Williams. The Us' regular number one has resumed light training following the ankle injury he suffered during pre-season but will not be ready to travel to Spotland so Mark Cousins keeps his place. Striker Steven Gillespie was also a pre-season casualty with a twisted ankle and remains on the sidelines along with long-term absentees John-Joe O'Toole and Morten Knudsen. Midfielder O'Toole is continuing his recovery from the cruciate injury he suffered back in April and defender Knudsen is still missing with a knee injury, with neither due back much before Christmas. Frontman Kayode Odejayi pushed his claims for a start with a goal for the reserves in midweek.

Source: PA