COLCHESTER United eased to a 4-0 win over hosts Maldon & Tiptree in their first pre-season friendly tonight.

COLCHESTER United eased to a 4-0 win over hosts Maldon & Tiptree in their first pre-season friendly tonight.

John-Joe O’Toole broke the deadlock after nine minutes, bundling home from Anthony Wordsworth’s corner.

Wordsworth had a goal disallowed for offside just after the half-hour mark. The midfielder nudged home Kayode Odejayi’s header, but was standing in an offside position.

However, United did add a second late in the first half through Ashley Vincent, following good work by Odejayi.

The U’s fielded a different XI in the second half, including summer recruits Tom Eastman (from Ipswich Town) and Michael Rose (from Swindon), and they eventually netted a third on 75 minutes via teenager Craig Arnott’s smart finish. Arnott is a first year professional.

Ian Henderson saved the best until last, smashing home a glorious fourth from long-range in the 85th minute.