COLCHESTER and East Essex will head into their match at Ilford tomorrow on the back of a wake-up call, according to skipper Tom Ullyott.

The Castle Park side are still reeling from their comprehensive National Club Championship exit at the hands of Wanstead and Snaresbrook, last weekend.

The 148-run defeat came as something of a surprise, given Colchester’s impressive form in the Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division of late.

Ullyott said the team were disappointed with their showing in that game and wants them to bounce back with a solid display at Valentines Park tomorrow.

Ullyott said: “I think the Wanstead and Snaresbrook performance and result was a bit of a wake-up call for us.

“We went into that game riding on the crest of a wave but it didn’t go the way we wanted it to so we know that we have to be back on it.

“We’re in the top four now and we're looking to push on for the top three, which isn’t too far away.

“Ilford are down near the bottom of the table but like Chingford who were played a few weeks ago, I think it may well be a false position.

“We just want to keep winning games and see where we go from there.”

Ben Stephens and Darren Eckford will continue their strike bowling partnership which has reaped plenty of reward for Colchester so far, this season.

Their impressive performances have made for a difficult dilemma for captain Ullyott, who also has talented Essex second XI youngster Ollie Bocking chomping at the bit to open the bowling.

“Darren and Ben are working very well together but we also have Ollie who’s pushing to open the bowling too and it's a difficult one,” said Ullyott, who top-scored in both of Colchester’s first XI matches last weekend.

“But Darren and Ben are doing well and as much as Ollie is a very talented player, it’s difficult to change things because they’re doing so well.

“Ollie has been at University but he played for us against Chingford and also against South Woodford.

“He is currently playing with Essex’s second XI in midweek games and he’s one of a number of players pushing to make it into their first XI and trying to take wickets.”

Opener Julian Russell is set to return for Colchester at Ilford but Harry Bush and Joe Barnett are unavailable.