Four of Colchester United’s long-term injury victims made a welcome return to competitive action, during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Maldon & Tiptree in the opening pre-season friendly of the summer.

Midfielder Craig Slater, centre-half Frankie Kent, striker Denny Johnstone and attacker Sammie Szmodics all enjoyed run-outs at Park Drive, having missed large chunks of the second half of last term.

“The main concern for me today was those injury boys coming through, with no ill effects” explained U’s boss McGreal.

“It was a good afternoon’s work, it was a mental thing to try and get through it.

- Talking points and pictures from Saturday’s match

”Doug Loft, who himself missed most of last season through injury, broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, with teenage midfielder Louis Dunne adding the second 10 minutes into the second half.

McGreal added: “Louis (Dunne) got his goal, and his overall display, his cuteness and cleverness, was there for all to see.”