THERE were six different goalscorers as Colchester United Reserves thrashed Stevenage’s second string 6-0 away in their opening Combination fixture of the season tonight.

THERE were six different goalscorers as Colchester United Reserves thrashed Stevenage’s second string 6-0 away in their opening Combination fixture of the season tonight.

The rampant U’s fielded a strong team, and they raced into a 4-0 lead at half-time through goals from Andy Bond, Craig Arnott, Jordan Sanderson and ex-Ipswich Town defender Tom Eastman.

For Sanderson it was his first slice of action since breaking a bone in his foot during early pre-season.

The U’s added further goals in the second half via Tosin Olufemi and Karl Duguid, while recent signing Tom Aldred, signed on a free transfer last week after being released by Watford, enjoyed his first competitive game in a Colchester shirt.

Meanwhile, Leyton Orient, who are the U’s visitors to the Weston Homes Community Stadium this Saturday, were knocked out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy by Dagenham & Redbridge following an exciting penalty shoot-out last night.

Ex-U’s striker David Mooney scored late on for the O’s in a 1-1 draw, but it was the Daggers who scraped through 14-13 on penalties.