Heybridge Swifts 0 Colchester United 8

Colchester United cruised to an 8-0 victory at Heybridge Swifts in their first pre-season friendly of the summer, staged at Scarley Road this afternoon.

The U’s included former Birmingham City midfielder, Olly Lee, in their first-half starting XI, and he bagged one of the goals as the visitors led 4-0 at half-time.

Chris Porter netted a brace in that first period, with George Moncur adding the fourth, while Drey Wright (2), Macauley Bonne and Sammie Szmodics were on target in the second half.

Porter broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, when the ex-Sheffield United striker side-footed home from summer signing Richard Brindley’s cross.

Triallist Lee doubled the lead on 33 minutes, netting from close range following another accurate cross by right-back Brindley.

And Porter bagged his second and the U’s third just three minutes later, converting a penalty after Dan Holman had been fouled in the box.

Midfielder George Moncur volleyed home the fourth, just six minutes before the break.

Another traillist, keeper Elliot Parish, was given a run-out in the second period, Parrish was formerly on the books of Aston Villa, Cardiff and Bristol City. The 25-year-old spent last season at Blackpool.

United made it 5-0 just before the hour mark, thanks to a long-range shot by Drey Wright, who was making a welcome return to the first-team set-up after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

On 64 minutes, young Macauley Bonne increased the lead to 6-0, from close-in, and 13 minutes later fellow former Academy product Sammie Szmodics executed a fine lob.

A mere 60 seconds had elapsed before Wright helped himself to his second goal (78 minutes) with a low finish.

Colchester United starting XIs

First half: Lewington, Brindley, Eastman, James, Olufemi, Lapslie, Moncur, Lee, Sembie-Ferris, Holman, Porter.

Second half: Parrish, Briggs, Wynter, Kent, Vincent-Young, Edwards, Szmodics, Gilbey, Massey, Right, Bonne.

Attendace: 534