LUKE McCormick will retain his place in goal for Saturday’s League Two visit to Cambridge United, despite his below-par performance on Tuesday night when Swindon Town lost 3-0 to Colchester.

Town manager Richie Wellens confirmed to the Adver that the experienced 36-year-old ‘keeper won’t lose his spot in the first team as a direct result of one sub-standard show.

A blunder when attempting to handle Theo Robinson’s 12-yard strike ensured John McGreal’s Colchester doubled their lead by adding a second goal prior to the hour mark, while a number of kicks from his penalty area were misguided.

Despite this, McCormick – previously of Plymouth Argyle – will face Colin Calderwood’s dan-gerous Cambridge United attack, a force that put four goals past promotion candidates Mansfield Town in the week.

Wellens said: “Steven (Benda) has been doing well, but Luke (McCormick) has been doing fine too.

“Admittedly, Luke didn’t play great on Tuesday.

“But because he has had one bad game out of nine doesn’t mean I’m going to take him out.

“Luke will be given another opportunity to try and get back to his best on Saturday.”

The above means on-loan stopper Steven Benda, who joined the club on transfer deadline day from Swansea City, will again be on the bench for this weekend’s trip to Cambridgeshire.

Benda, 20, is yet to make an appearance in the Football League since joining Swansea from 1860 Munich two years ago.

To date, goalkeeping coach Steve Mildenhall has delivered positive feedback about the young shot stopper.

Admittedly, though, the youngster understands he is at SN1 to fight for a first-team spot – something that will be no easy task.

Wellens added: “Steven is well aware of the situation. He knows he has got to come in and fight for a place.

“At the moment, Steven has only had one 90-minute game.

“We’ll get him another 90 minutes on Tuesday (behind closed doors) and then go from there.

“Hopefully, both goalkeepers continue to fight for the position.”