Ling's U's will expect to challenge for promotion this season

Cambridge United manager Martin Ling says his side's pre-season is progressing as planned.

The U's lost 1-0 at home to Colchester on Tuesday night, but looked comfortable against the League One side for much of the game.

They are next in action against Cambridge City on Thursday.

Ling told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "There were plenty of positives and also a few negatives, but it's all about being ready for 14 August."

The U's lined up with Danny Wright and trialist Wayne Gray in attack, but changed to 4-3-3 in the second and would have drawn had Adam Marriott's penalty not been saved.

Ling is set to make a decision over Gray's future before the end of the week, but hinted that he could be offered terms.

There are a few details still to be finalised with John, but a decision should be made by the end of the week Martin Ling on trialist coach John Schofield

"I'm going to speak with the board about where we can go with Wayne, he's done well and we're one short in that area," he said.

Coach John Schofield has also spent pre-season with the U's but is yet to seal a permanent deal.

Ling has said he expects contract talks to be finalised over the coming days.

"There are a few details still to be finalised with John, but a decision should be made by the end of the week," he said.

Striker Daryl Clare once again missed out owing a muscle problem, while defender Kevin Roberts was taken off at half-time with a tight hamstring.

Youngster Jonathon Thorpe came in his place and impressed Ling with his contribution.

"The lad Jonathon Thorpe was excellent as he's only a baby, just 17, and he went out there and did a decent job," he said.

Goalkeeper Danny Naisbitt played the full 90 minutes against Colchester, but Simon Brown will start Saturday's clash with Leyton Orient as Ling continues to assess his options.

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