Dartford 0 Colchester United 1

Colchester United preserved their unbeaten record in pre-season, by securing a 1-0 away win at Dartford in a friendly fixture at Princes Park this afternoon.

The winner was an own goal, with defender Ronnie Vint accidentally diverting the ball past his own keeper, Deren Ibrahim, on 81 minutes. The Gilbraltarian custodian was powerless to prevent the ball from rolling into the net, after Brennan Dickenson’s had delivered a teasing cross into the box.

The Darts had actually shaded the match, in terms of goalscoring chances, but the League Two U’s have now won four and drawn one of their first five senior pre-season fixtures of the summer.

After wins at Maldon & Tiptree, Braintree Town and Colwyn Bay, John McGreal’s men drew 1-1 on the road at Dagenham & Redbridge (1-1) before claiming a narrow win at Dartford today.

Dartford carved out the better chances of a goalless first half, with Rene Gilmartin the busier of the two keepers.

The Kent side had the disruption of two players going off injured inside the first 20 minutes, including what looked like a serious injury to Andy Pugh.

Front-runner Pugh left the pitch on a stretcher after he had collided with Gilmartin in the penalty area, after 13 minutes.

The U’s created a chance just four minutes later, although Courtney Senior pulled his shot wide of goal after initial good work from the attacker.

Gilmartin pulled off a good save, just before the half-hour mark. Oyenuga’s effort was turned around for a corner, by the U’s goalkeeping coach, and the visitors escaped from the ensuing corner after some pinball in the box.

The highlight of the first period was an excellent save from Gilmartin, on 36 minutes. Oyenuga’s fine header, from Oyebanjo’s delivery, was superbly kept out by the agile Gilmartin.

The U’s made a whole host of substitutions, on the hour mark, with only Tom Eastman, Kane Vincent-Young and Senior staying on the pitch.

On 77 minutes, Ryan Jackson, one of the substitutes, stabbed over from a good position, but four minutes later, home defender Vint diverted the ball past his own keeper.

U’s starting line-up: Gilmartin, Eastman, Prosser, Kensdale, Vincent-Young, Clampin, Comley, Wright, Senior, Collins, Mandron. Subs used (60 mins): Barnes, Jackson, Kent, Lapslie, Pell, Szmodics, Dickenson, Nouble.

Attendance: 447