Mikael Mandron, signed from Wigan Athletic yesterday, made his Colchester United debut as a substitute on the hour mark in today’s 3-0 win at Braintree Town.

Mandron was unlucky not to mark his first outing in a U’s shirt with a goal, having had one shot deflected over the bar, and one well saved by Iron keeper Nathan McDonald, as well as having appeals for a penalty turned down.

“I enjoyed my first appearance for Colchester,” enthused Frenchman Mandron.

- Five talking points from Colchester United’s 3-0 win at Braintree

“I’ve had a lot of experience playing on loan in League Two (for Fleetwood, Shrewsbury and Hartlepool) so I’m looking forward to the new season.

“I’ve come to Colchester to try and get regular first-team football,” added 22-year-old Mandron.

A brace from Sammie Szmodics and a late goal from Louis Dunne saw the U’s to a fifth friendly win on the bounce.