COLCHESTER United manager John Ward has praised the efforts of his experienced reserve team following their 4-1 victory at Watford in a closed-doors friendly on Tuesday.

Ian Henderson scored a fine hat-trick playing as the lead striker, lobbing the keeper twice and slotting home from one-on-one opportunities, while Anthony Wordsworth got the other goal from his supporting striker’s role.

Experienced players such as Matt Heath, Pat Baldwin, Lloyd James and Lee Beevers – who got two assists – all featured, as did Simon Hackney, who played his first 60 minutes of competitive football following a back injury.

Ward said: “It was a fantastic result because I am a big fan of Watford, they’ve always produced good players and always give us a good game.

“We played some good football so fair play to the boys, they are toughing it out trying to get in the first team and performed very, very well.

“Metaphorically they are knocking on my door with these performances and asking to be picked for the first team.

“As a manager I drove away from the match very pleased.”

– Keep an eye on www.greenun24.co.uk this afternoon for Ian Henderson’s thoughts.