Jonas Axeldal scored his ninth and tenth reserve team goals of the season yesterday to give George Burley a firm message that he wants more than a derisory two or three-minute appearance in the first team.

The former Foggia man hit after 14 and 24 minutes. The Swede has now struck ten goals in his last five games for the reserves and must be in serious contention for a first team start at some point in the near future.

The reserves continued their unbeaten season drawing 3-3 with Southend in the match at Roots Hall. Town's other goal was scored by Lee O'Neill, son of former Town player Tommy.

Good news for Town fans was that Titus Bramble played an hour at centre-half and didn't seem to have any ill effects.

Team news for Saturday is that Micky Stockwell is still touch and go and that the triple-driving-offence-charged Gary Croft may make a return at right back.

He played 45 minutes there in the reserves with Fabian Wilnis at left back in a 4-4-2 formation. Wilnis looks likely to be on the bench, with Jamie Clapham at left-back.

Photo: Action Images

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